dramatically

American  

[druh-mat-ik-lee] / drəˈmæt ɪk li /

adverb

1. in a way that relates to plays or the theater; in or as a play.

   The author's choice of words may imply that his text is to be read aloud or acted out dramatically.

2. in a way characteristic of or appropriate to the theater, especially in involving conflict, intense emotion, or exaggerated speech or action.

   The speaker was quite a showman, first crouching behind the lectern, then rising up dramatically to demonstrate the rapid progress of some nations.

3. in a way that is typical of a play in form or structure.

   The film is dramatically structured—not in its narrative form, but in the way it focuses on the faces, bodies, and voices of specific performers.

4. in a striking way; with a striking effect or to a striking degree.

   During Hurricane Sandy, mobile internet usage spiked dramatically as people went online to get answers.

   Her dark hat and scarf dramatically set off her pale and delicate features.

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Usage

What does dramatically mean? 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.

Other Word Forms

• nondramatically adverb
• overdramatically adverb
• pseudodramatically adverb
• quasi-dramatically adverb
• semidramatically adverb

Etymology

Origin of dramatically

dramatic ( def. ) + -ally ( def. )

Example Sentences

“It did not do so by relying on some of the most common proposals held up as solutions in education, like reducing class sizes, or dramatically boosting student funding,” according to the Times.

From The Wall Street Journal

With less interest money flowing from those unpaid balances, banks would need to dramatically alter their business models and customer offerings.

From MarketWatch

Dabbing at the sweat on her forehead with a lace hankie, she pushed into the room and collapsed dramatically into a rocking chair near the empty fireplace.

From Literature

In such a situation, market participants’ expectations of inflation can dramatically alter the macroeconomy.

From MarketWatch

Hammer said his chest infections have since alleviated dramatically meaning fewer GP visits.

From BBC

Related Words

• adequately
• completely
• definitely
• energetically
• finally
• forcefully
• productively