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

Mr. Newman cites a series of studies showing that people dramatically underestimate how productive continued searching will be.

From The Wall Street Journal

The reluctant public speaker who preferred to keep his headphones on while coding in the office was now the crypto industry’s willing spokesman in Washington, where the views about crypto were about to change dramatically.

From The Wall Street Journal

After further drops, a small spike in arrests occurred in September, with more than 1,000 arrested and then dramatically dropped in October with fewer than 500 arrests.

From Los Angeles Times

She doesn’t recommend dramatically exiting a friend group, but instead having a conversation about how you’re feeling with the person you feel closest to.

From The Wall Street Journal

Pentagon officials have spent most of the past year urging weapons makers to dramatically increase missile production rates to better prepare for a potential future conflict with China, The Wall Street Journal previously reported.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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