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REFERENCE

drastically

adv. manner
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈdɹæstɪkɫi// UK //dɹˈɑːstɪkli// dras·ti·cal·ly

adv. in a way that is very sudden, extreme, and noticeable. You use this to describe a change that is much bigger than usual.

adv. in a manner that is extreme, severe, or sudden in effect. Often used to modify verbs of change or adjectives describing a shift in state.


SIMPLE

The weather changed drastically overnight.

CONTEXTUAL

The company had to cut costs drastically after losing their biggest client last month.

COMPLEX

While the initial reforms were modest, the political landscape changed drastically once the new legislation was fully implemented across the rural provinces.

Origin

From drastic + -ally.

Usage

Typically follows the verb it modifies or precedes the adjective it qualifies.

Pitfall

The prices drastically.The prices dropped drastically.Drastically is an adverb and needs a verb to modify; it cannot function as the verb itself.

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