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Meaning & use

radical transformation

noun·Advanced

Last updated

UK/ˌrædɪkl ˌtrænsfəˈmeɪʃn/
US/ˌrædɪkl ˌtrænsfərˈmeɪʃn/

Meanings

  1. nouncountable

    A complete and fundamental change in the nature or appearance of something.

    Grammar: Countable: you can say 'a radical transformation' or 'radical transformations'.

    Patterns

    • a radical transformation of something
    • undergo a radical transformation

    The internet has brought about a radical transformation in how we communicate.

    The city underwent a radical transformation after the war, with old buildings replaced by modern towers.

  2. noununcountable

    The act or process of changing something in a very basic and far-reaching way.

    Grammar: Uncountable when referring to the process itself: 'Radical transformation takes time.'

    Patterns

    • radical transformation of something
    • lead to radical transformation

    The company's radical transformation from a small startup to a global giant took only a decade.

    Education reform requires radical transformation, not just small adjustments.

Word forms

pluralradical transformations

Common combinations

undergo a radical transformation
The economy has undergone a radical transformation in the last twenty years.
bring about a radical transformation
New technology brought about a radical transformation in the industry.
a radical transformation of society
The revolution aimed at a radical transformation of society.
experience a radical transformation
The neighborhood has experienced a radical transformation since the new park opened.

Synonyms and how they differ

revolution
A revolution is often sudden and can refer to political overthrow; a radical transformation can be gradual and is broader.
overhaul
An overhaul is a thorough examination and repair, often of a system; it may be less extreme than a radical transformation.
metamorphosis
Metamorphosis often suggests a natural or magical change in form, like a caterpillar to a butterfly; radical transformation is more general.

Opposites

minor changeslight adjustment

Word family

radically adverb
In a radical or extreme way.
transform verb
To change completely.
transformative adjective
Causing a major change.

Commonly confused: radical transformation or radical?

radical transformation vs radical

As a noun, 'radical' means a person with extreme political views; as an adjective in this phrase, it means 'fundamental'.

Practice

The invention of the printing press caused a ______ in the spread of knowledge.

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