revolutionize
rev-uh-LOO-shun-ize
/ˌrev.əˈluː.ʃən.aɪz/
To change something radically or fundamentally.
The most intense word for change; it implies the old way is completely discarded.
The story behind the word. While 'evolve' is to roll out, 'revolution' is to roll back or turn over. It originally described the motion of planets returning to their starting point, but later came to mean a 'turning over' of the social order.
Word relationships
- overhaul: Overhaul means to take apart and repair; revolutionize means to change the very nature of the thing.
- preserve: To keep something in its original state.
Commonly confused with
- evolve: Evolve is slow and gradual; revolutionize is fast and radical.
Word family
- revolution (noun): A fundamental change in power or organizational structures.
- revolutionary (adjective): Involving or causing a complete or dramatic change.
Collocations
- revolutionize the industry
- completely revolutionize
- revolutionize the way
Idioms & expressions
- turn the world upside down
- a sea change
Example sentences
- "The invention of the internet was destined to revolutionize how we communicate." Technology
- "Penicillin helped to revolutionize the treatment of infectious diseases." Medicine
Memory hook
A 'Revolution' is a 'Roll-ution'—turning the old system over. Turn it upside down.
When not to use
Avoid using for minor improvements; it should be reserved for 'game-changers'.
Fun facts
- The first 'Industrial Revolution' wasn't called that until the 1830s, long after it had started.
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