Relating to drama or acting, or describing something that is very exciting, emotional, or noticeable. It can also mean sudden and striking, like a dramatic change.
From Late Latin 'dramaticus', from Greek 'dramatikos' meaning 'pertaining to plays', from 'drama' meaning 'action, play'. It entered English in the 16th century. The meaning broadened from theater to any intense or striking situation.
Calling someone 'dramatic' is a quiet way of saying they turn everyday events into theater. In science writing, 'dramatic increase' is almost a cliché—our language reaches for stage words to make numbers feel alive. The word shows how hard it is to talk about change without telling a story.
‘Dramatic’ as a personality label has been disproportionately used to criticize women’s emotional expression, building on historic norms that pathologized women’s feelings as excessive. This usage contrasts with its neutral artistic sense in theater and literature.
Use ‘dramatic’ descriptively for events or artistic works; avoid applying it as a stereotype to a gendered group or using it to dismiss someone’s emotions based on gender.
["intense","striking","emotionally expressive","high-impact"]
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