# dramatically

/dɹəˈmætɪkəɫi/ (US) · /dɹəmˈætɪkli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dramatically
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

in a way that is very sudden, surprising, or easy to see. You use this to describe a big change that happens quickly.

For teachers: in a manner that is striking, sudden, or highly visible. Often used to modify verbs of change or adjectives of scale to emphasize a significant shift.

## Examples

- The price of gas dropped dramatically this morning.
- The landscape changed dramatically as the train climbed higher into the snowy mountains.
- Technological advancements have dramatically altered the way we communicate, rendering traditional postal services nearly obsolete for personal correspondence.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The prices increased dramatic." but "The prices increased dramatically." — Learners often use the adjective form instead of the adverb to modify a verb.

## Usage notes

- Commonly modifies verbs of change like 'increase', 'decrease', 'improve', or 'alter'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.