dramatically

Dramatically means done in a striking or theatrical way, as if acting.

When used literally, dramatically is used when someone does something for the sake of a performance, as in a play. Drama describes the art of writing or producing a play, and something that is done dramatically is done in an effort to further that play.

More often, the term dramatically is used figuratively to describe someone being overly flamboyant or petty. Someone who is acting dramatically may display their emotions for the sake of seeking attention or may respond in an argument with undue levels of anger or harshness.

Example: The kids always act dramatically when I say we can’t have pizza for dinner.

The first records of the term dramatically come from around 1650. It combines the term dramatic, meaning “of or relating to drama,” the suffix –al, which means “having the character of,” and the suffix –ly, which forms adverbs from adjectives.

Dramatically can also be used to describe an action or event. For example, if a business’s value suddenly rises to a high amount, you could say its value rose dramatically. Just as something done dramatically in a play is supposed to advance the plot, something done dramatically elsewhere may attempt to quickly raise or advance something, such as wealth, power, or mood.

What are some other forms related to dramatically?

• nondramatically (adverb)
• overdramatically (adverb)
• semidramatically (adverb)
• undramatically (adverb)

What are some synonyms for dramatically?

• desperately
• dangerously
• seriously
• effectively
• completely

What are some words that share a root or word element with dramatically?

• drama
• dramatic
• dramatize

What are some words that often get used in discussing dramatically?

• act
• monologue
• changed

Dramatically will often be used by someone who is criticizing someone else for being dramatic or by someone who is analyzing a trend that changes in a big way.

If the Christmas carolers at my door are really good, I turn my red swivel chair dramatically toward them.

— Conan O'Brien (@ConanOBrien) December 15, 2017

Writing for two minutes a day describing one positive experience you had over the past 24 hours can dramatically increase happiness.

— UberFacts (@UberFacts) December 15, 2014

while everyone else on the bus is sleeping, i'm sitting up in the front reading! …what have i become *dramatically looks out the window*

— connor (@connorfranta) June 6, 2014

Is dramatically used correctly in the following sentence?

Shouting dramatically will not get you out of doing the dishes, Marshall.