drastically
gb/dɹˈæstɪkli/ us/dɹˈæstɪkli/
B2
English
~ 9500
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B2
property
1
in a very extreme or major way
in a very big or extreme way, so that something changes a lot
Usage pattern:
to drastically [verb] [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse “drastically” with “dramatically” and think both always relate to acting or theater; in modern English, both usually mean a very big or sudden change. Spelling mistakes like *drasticly* are also common. Another mistake is using *drastic* or *drastically* for any strong emotion; it should describe the strength or size of a change or action, not just how you feel.
Synonyms
dramatically (Very common alternative; can also suggest something surprising or impressive.)
|
significantly (Focuses more on importance than on severity or extremeness.)
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severely (Stronger feeling of harm or harshness, especially with negative results.)
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substantially (More formal; emphasizes large amount, less feeling of shock or severity.)
Antonyms
slightly (Shows only a very small amount of change, the opposite of a large or extreme change.)
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gradually (Describes change that happens slowly over time, not suddenly or extremely.)
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marginally (Indicates an almost unimportant or very small amount of change.)
Collocations
change drastically
|reduce drastically
|drop drastically
|increase drastically
|cut costs drastically
|affect [something] drastically
Themes
change
|business
|science
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The company had to drastically cut its budget after sales fell.
- Temperatures have risen drastically over the past few decades.
- After the accident, his lifestyle changed drastically.
- New regulations could drastically affect small businesses.
- The city has grown drastically in just ten years.
Learner examples
- Food prices increased drastically last year.
- She drastically changed her hair and clothes.
- We need to drastically reduce our plastic use.
- The number of tourists dropped drastically during the winter.
- His health improved drastically after the operation.
Grammar
Dictionary form
drastically
IPA
GB/dɹˈæstɪkli/
US/dɹˈæstɪkli/
Syllables & stress
drastic - ally (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (drastic)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: drastically
- Plural: drasticallies
Word family
Forms
drasticallies
noun
Core family
drastic
adjective B2
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.