radical
RAD-ih-kuhl
/ˈræd.ɪ.kəl/
Affecting or relating to the fundamental nature of something; far-reaching or thorough.
Can mean addressing issues at their root, or supporting fundamental, sweeping political and social change.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'radix' meaning root. Originally used in medical and botanical contexts (e.g., radical operations that removed roots of disease), it moved into politics through Charles James Fox in 1797, who demanded a 'radical reform' of the British electoral system—meaning reform from the very roots.
Word relationships
- thoroughgoing: Emphasizes completeness rather than revolutionary impact.
- revolutionary: Implies complete overturn of existing systems, often rapidly.
- conservative: Preferring traditional values and resisting fundamental change.
- incremental: Changing step-by-step gradually rather than fundamentally.
Commonly confused with
- drastic: Drastic implies severe or extreme action taken out of necessity; radical implies transforming something from its fundamental root.
Word family
- radicalism (noun): The belief in or support for radical reform.
- radically (adverb): In a radical manner; fundamentally.
Collocations
- radical change
- radical reform
- radical idea
Idioms & expressions
- radical departure
Example sentences
- "The proposed tax reforms represent a radical departure from existing fiscal policies." Economic policy discussion
- "The radicals of the 19th century demanded universal suffrage when few thought it possible." Historical discourse
Memory hook
RADICAL change pulls problems up by their RADIX (roots). Going straight to the roots.
When not to use
Avoid using in formal writing to mean 'cool' or 'awesome' (slang usage).
Fun facts
- The vegetable 'radish' derives from the exact same Latin root, 'radix', because it is a edible root.
Explore more words
revolutionize, reform, iconoclastic, transform, subversive, abolish
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