Words / B2

dr-uh-MAT-ik/drəˈmætɪk/

Dramatic means sudden and striking in scale, or connected with theatre. A dramatic increase / fall / change is a set collocation in news and data commentary — not “theatrical acting” — while significant is merely noticeable and dramatic is eye-catching, often sudden. Dramatically is very common (prices rose dramatically); do not overuse it in academic writing.

Meaning

Sudden and striking, or connected with plays.

Examples

• “There has been a dramatic rise in prices.”
• “There has been a dramatic improvement in air quality.”
• “The landscape changes dramatically after the pass.”

Good to know

a dramatic rise / fall / change. Often sudden and striking, not always theatrical.

Near in meaning

striking

New