dramatic

adjective dra·mat·ic \drə-ˈma-tik\

: sudden and extreme

: greatly affecting people's emotions

: attracting attention : causing people to carefully listen, look, etc.

Full Definition of DRAMATIC

: of or relating to the drama <a dramatic actor>

a : suitable to or characteristic of the drama <a dramatic attempt to escape>

b : striking in appearance or effect <a dramatic pause>

of an opera singer : having a powerful voice and a declamatory style — compare lyric

— dra·mat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

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First Known Use of DRAMATIC

1589

Related to DRAMATIC

Synonyms: histrionic, melodramatic, operatic, stagy (or stagey), theatrical (also theatric)

Antonyms: undramatic

Synonym Discussion of DRAMATIC

dramatic, theatrical, histrionic, melodramatic mean having a character or an effect like that of acted plays. dramatic applies to situations in life and literature that stir the imagination and emotions deeply <a dramatic meeting of world leaders>. theatrical implies a crude appeal through artificiality or exaggeration in gesture or vocal expression <a theatrical oration>. histrionic applies to tones, gestures, and motions and suggests a deliberate affectation or staginess <a histrionic show of grief>. melodramatic suggests an exaggerated emotionalism or an inappropriate theatricalism <made a melodramatic plea>.