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dramatic

adj.
US //dɹəˈmætɪk// UK //dɹəmˈætɪk// dra·mat·ic
  1. 1 sudden and striking (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    sudden, exciting, and easy to notice.

    striking in appearance or effect; characterized by a sudden and significant change.

    Example

    There has been a dramatic increase in the price of food this year.

    Example

    The landscape underwent a dramatic transformation following the volcanic eruption, with once-lush valleys buried under meters of grey ash.

  2. 2 theatre and plays (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Theatre

    relating to plays, acting, or the theatre.

    pertaining to the drama or the performance of plays.

    Example

    She decided to join the local dramatic society to improve her acting.

    Example

    The university's dramatic arts department is renowned for its experimental productions of classical Greek tragedies.

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  1. 3 exaggerated behavior (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    behaving in a way that makes things seem more exciting or serious than they really are.

    tending to react with exaggerated emotion or theatricality, often to gain attention.

    Example

    Stop being so dramatic; it is just a small scratch on the car.

    Example

    He has a tendency to be quite dramatic when things go wrong, often acting as if a minor inconvenience were a total catastrophe.

  2. 4 powerful singing voice (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Music

    having a powerful and expressive voice, especially in opera.

    possessing a powerful, rich, and expressive singing voice suitable for intense operatic roles.

    Example

    The opera house is looking for a dramatic soprano for their new show.

    Example

    The role requires a dramatic tenor capable of projecting over a full Wagnerian orchestra without losing tonal clarity.

Origin

From Ancient Greek δραματικός (dramatikós), from δρᾶμα (drâma, “drama, play”), from δράω (dráō, “I do, accomplish”). By surface analysis, drama + -tic.

Word family

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