Meaning & use
radical
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Meanings
adjectivecomparable
Very different from the usual and affecting basic things.
Grammar: Before a noun: radical change.
The school made radical changes to the timetable.
It was a radical new design.
She has radical ideas.
adjectivecomparable
Supporting extreme political or social change.
Grammar: Describes people and groups.
A radical group called for reform.
His views were seen as radical.
nouncountable
A person who wants deep and sudden change in society.
Grammar: Can be positive or negative.
The radicals demanded new laws.
He was a radical in his youth.
nouncountablechemistry
A group of atoms that acts as a unit in chemical reactions.
Grammar: Chemistry, often free radical.
Free radicals can damage cells.
The radical reacts quickly.
adjectivenot comparableslangold-fashioned
Cool or excellent, in slang.
Grammar: Old-fashioned slang.
That skateboard trick was radical.
Totally radical, dude.
Word forms
| comparative | more radical |
|---|---|
| superlative | most radical |
| plural | radicals |
Common combinations
- radical change
- The firm needs radical change.
- radical idea
- A radical idea for schools.
- radical reform
- The party wants radical reform.
- free radical
- Free radicals harm cells.
Synonyms and how they differ
- drastic
- Strong and sudden, not political.
- extreme
- Far from normal, often negative.
- fundamental
- Basic, not necessarily bold.
- revolutionary
- Brings a total change.
Opposites
Word family
- radically adverb
- in a fundamental way
- radicalism noun
- the support of radical views
- radicalize verb
- to make more extreme
Commonly confused: radical or radial?
radical vs radial
Radial refers to a radius or spokes, not extreme change.
Practice
The new mayor proposed a ___ plan to rebuild the whole transport system from scratch.
Choose one answer.
Radical means fundamental. The others suggest small change.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “radical”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.