German word

drastisch

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈdʁastɪʃ/

Meaning

  • adjectivedramatic

Example

Die Preise sind drastisch gesunken.

Prices have dropped dramatically.

Illustration for drastisch (dramatic)

More examples

Nach dem Skandal wurden drastische Maßnahmen beschlossen.

After the scandal, drastic measures were decided on.

Core concept

A forceful cut that changes a situation sharply and leaves a large visible effect.

Common phrases

  • drastisch sinken

    fall dramatically

  • drastische Maßnahme

    drastic measure

Similar words

stark: Extremely great in strength, amount, or degree, with a clear effect.
deutlich: Plainly noticeable because the difference or change is easy to see.
radikal: Changing something fundamentally rather than merely adjusting it.
massiv: Very large or powerful, with substantial weight or impact.

Definition in German

Stark wirkend und oft einschneidend; gebraucht für Maßnahmen, Entscheidungen oder Ereignisse mit großem Effekt.

Word origin

German drastisch comes from Greek drastikos through Latin drasticus and French drastique, with a sense of being effective in action.

Usage tips

  • Unlike English dramatic, German drastisch usually describes severity or scale rather than theatrical emotion or suspense.

Other meanings

  • sharpadjective
  • radicaladjective

Opposites

Word lists with this word