dramatic scenes

Meanings

1. 1nounplural

   Exciting or shocking events that people watch happening, especially in public.

   Grammar: Used as a plural noun phrase: dramatic scenes were shown on the news.

   Patterns

   • dramatic scenes of something
   • witness dramatic scenes
   • dramatic scenes unfold

   Television showed dramatic scenes of rescue workers pulling people from the flooded houses.

   There were dramatic scenes outside the court when the verdict was announced.

   Witnesses described dramatic scenes as the storm tore roofs off buildings.

2. 2nounplural

   Powerful or emotional moments in a play, film, or book.

   Grammar: Plural of 'dramatic scene'; the singular is used for one moment: a dramatic scene.

   Patterns

   • dramatic scenes in a film
   • shoot dramatic scenes
   • the most dramatic scenes

   The most dramatic scenes in the play come in the second act.

   Critics praised the director for the dramatic scenes between the two sisters.

   Some dramatic scenes had to be cut because the film was too long.

Word forms

Common combinations

dramatic scenes unfold

Dramatic scenes unfolded as the parade was stopped by protesters.

witness dramatic scenes

Passers-by witnessed dramatic scenes at the station.

show dramatic scenes

The evening news showed dramatic scenes from the earthquake zone.

dramatic scenes of violence

The report contained dramatic scenes of violence and was shown after 9 p.m.

Synonyms and how they differ

spectacle

Suggests something impressive that many people watch, but it does not carry the sense of shock or strong emotion that 'dramatic scenes' often does.

highlights

In reviews, 'highlights' means the best moments; 'dramatic scenes' only says they are intense, not necessarily good.

Opposites

Word family

drama noun

A play, or an exciting situation; the base noun behind 'dramatic.'

dramatic adjective

Sudden and striking, or relating to plays and acting.

dramatically adverb

In a striking or sudden way: prices rose dramatically.

Commonly confused: dramatic scenes or traumatic scenes?

Practice

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Write a sentence using “dramatic scenes”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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