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

They face an Argentina side fresh from a dramatic 33-24 win over Scotland at Murrayfield -- a match where the Pumas were 21-0 behind with just over a quarter of the game remaining.

Read more on Barron's

The scene’s dramatic payoff wasn’t originally scripted and almost didn’t happen, as the cabin set had to be redesigned so one side could be removed.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Miss Mexico was crowned Miss Universe in Thailand on Friday, strutting to victory after the beauty pageant's host had publicly chastised her, among several dramatic missteps in the run-up to the final stage.

Read more on Barron's

But things took a dramatic turn at a pre-pageant ceremony early this month, when Mr Nawat told off Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, in front of dozens of contestants for failing to post promotional content.

Read more on BBC

This would mark a dramatic departure from the reality that has emerged in the first quarter of the 21st century.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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