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

There’s been “a dramatic increase in the number of clinical trials testing new therapies,” said Heather Cooper Ortner, president and chief executive of Alzheimer’s Los Angeles.

From Los Angeles Times

It seems more about the personalities of the ministers involved than any dramatic shifts in Starmer's ambition.

From BBC

The victims' press conference could mark a dramatic turn in the Epstein saga.

From BBC

Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., has been embodying the dilemma in a highly dramatic fashion, as is her habit.

From Salon

It’s really dramatic and woodsy, and I had one of the best salads ever there.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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