VocabDictionary

radical

/ˈræd.ɪ.kəl/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.adjective

Far-reaching or thorough; departing significantly from the traditional or usual.

Example Sentences:
  • The company made radical changes to its business model to survive the digital shift.
  • She proposed a radical solution to the ongoing traffic congestion problem.
2.noun

A person who advocates for thorough or complete political and social reform.

Example Sentences:
  • During the 1960s, university campuses were hotbeds for political radicals.
  • He was considered a radical by the party establishment for demanding immediate deregulation.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “radical”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Late Latin word 'radicalis', meaning 'of or having roots', stemming from the Latin 'radix', meaning 'root'. Originally used in a botanical sense referring to the root of a plant, it evolved by the late 14th century to mean fundamental or going to the root of a matter. By the late 18th century, it came to describe political views favoring fundamental, sweeping social change.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of 'radish', a root vegetable, to remember that 'radical' comes from the Latin word for root.

Frequently Asked Questions About “radical

1. What is the meaning of “radical” in English?

In English, radical (adjective) is defined as: “Far-reaching or thorough; departing significantly from the traditional or usual.”.

2. How do you use “radical” in a sentence?

The company made radical changes to its business model to survive the digital shift.

3. What are English synonyms of “radical”?

Common synonyms include:revolutionary,fundamental,drastic,extreme

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “radical”?

Derived from the Late Latin word 'radicalis', meaning 'of or having roots', stemming from the Latin 'radix', meaning 'root'. Originally used in a botanical sense referring to the root of a plant, it evolved by the late 14th century to mean fundamental or going to the root of a matter. By the late 18th century, it came to describe political views favoring fundamental, sweeping social change.