dramatic

[druh-mat-ik]

adjective

1. of or relating to the drama.

   Synonyms: theatrical

2. employing the form or manner of the drama.

3. characteristic of or appropriate to the drama, especially in involving conflict or contrast; vivid; moving.

   dramatic colors;

   a dramatic speech.

4. highly effective; striking.

   The silence following his impassioned speech was dramatic.

   Synonyms: sensational, startling

dramatic

/ drəˈmætɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to drama

2. like a drama in suddenness, emotional impact, etc

3. striking; effective

4. acting or performed in a flamboyant way

5. music (of a voice) powerful and marked by histrionic quality

Other Word Forms

• dramatically adverb
• nondramatic adjective
• overdramatic adjective
• predramatic adjective
• pseudodramatic adjective
• quasi-dramatic adjective
• semidramatic adjective
• undramatic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dramatic¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from Late Latin drāmaticus, from Greek drāmatikós, equivalent to drāmat- (stem of drâma ) drama + -ikos -ic

Example Sentences

The Tate said Picasso "was fascinated by performers and their boundless capacity for transformation, and he approached painting as a dramatic act in itself".

From BBC

It can cause a dramatic drop in blood pressure and damage the lungs, kidneys, liver and other organs.

From BBC

Since that dramatic loss, England have not lost a Test and they broke new ground with a 31st consecutive win on Sunday.

From BBC

At the end of last week’s penultimate episode, Conrad boarded a plane to find Belly in the City of Love as viewers saw her getting a dramatic haircut, ready for a new beginning.

From Los Angeles Times

The dramatic decision to end a franchise that has helped shaped pop culture was stunning to some.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• breathtaking 
• climactic 
• comic 
• emotional 
• impressive 
• melodramatic 
• powerful 
• sensational 
• startling 
• striking 
• sudden 
• tense 
• theatrical 
• thrilling 
• tragic 
• vivid