dramatic

Everyday

1. Dramatic means sudden and large, making a big change: «a dramatic rise». tree →
2. Dramatic means exciting and full of action or strong feeling. tree →
3. Dramatic means to do with plays and acting. tree →
4. (informal) Being dramatic means showing too much emotion: «Don't be so dramatic!» tree →

In the lessons

In maths and science it describes a big change on a graph. In stories it marks exciting moments. In drama lessons it is about acting. Phrases: «a dramatic change», «a dramatic rescue», «don't be dramatic».

Examples

• There was a dramatic fall in temperature overnight. tree →
• The firefighters made a dramatic rescue. tree →
• The story has a dramatic ending. tree →
• Our school has a dramatic arts club. tree →
• «I'm starving to death!» — «Don't be so dramatic.» tree →
• The graph shows a dramatic rise in visitors. tree →
• In the evening “Dramatic Readings” were to be given at the little theatre in King Street. tree →

Note

Not just «exciting»: often means «big and sudden». In maths, «a dramatic increase» means a large one, but always look at the actual numbers.