ENGLISH
REFERENCE

drastically

adv.
US //ˈdɹæstɪkɫi// UK //dɹˈɑːstɪkli// dras·ti·cal·ly
  1. 1 extremely or suddenly (adv.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    in a way that is very extreme, sudden, or serious.

    to an extreme or severe degree; used to describe changes that are significant and often unexpected.

    Example

    The price of bread has risen drastically over the last few months.

    Example

    The company was forced to drastically reduce its workforce following a series of unexpected financial losses in the third quarter.

    Usage

    typically modifies verbs of change like 'reduce', 'increase', 'improve', or 'alter'.

    Teacher's tip

    this word carries a stronger emotional weight than 'significantly'; it implies the change was quite shocking or impactful.

Origin

From drastic + -ally.

Word family

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