Definition

Adverb: In a drastic manner; to an extreme, severe, or radical degree. It describes an action or change that is forceful, thorough, and has a powerful effect.

Usage

The adverb "drastically" is used to modify verbs (and sometimes adjectives or other adverbs) to emphasize that something is done or happens in an extreme, significant, or sweeping way. It often describes changes, reductions, increases, or alterations that are substantial and noticeable.

Examples

• The company had to drastically reduce its workforce to survive the economic crisis.
• After the diagnosis, she drastically changed her diet and exercise habits.
• The new policy drastically altered the way we approach research.
• Temperatures can drop drastically in the desert at night.
• His health improved drastically after the surgery.

Advanced Usage

• "drastically different": Used to emphasize that two things are extremely and fundamentally unlike each other.
  • The final product was drastically different from the original concept.
• "drastically so": A formal construction used to intensify a preceding statement about a change or difference.
  • The landscape has changed, and drastically so.

Variants and Related Words

• Drastic (adjective): Extreme in effect or action; severe or radical.
  • The government took drastic measures to control inflation.

Synonyms

• Radically
• Severely
• Extremely
• Substantially
• Dramatically
• Significantly

Antonyms

• Slightly
• Gradually
• Moderately
• Minimally

Related Phrases

• To change/cut/reduce drastically: Common collocations highlighting a major alteration or decrease.
  • Funding for the arts was cut drastically.
• To differ drastically: To be very different.
  • Their opinions on the matter differ drastically.

Adverb

1. in a drastic manner