WordLens

radical

1 of 2adjective
/ˈræ.dɪ.kəl/
Forms:more radical,most radical
1

supporting total and extreme social or political changes

C1
  • The radical activist advocated for the overthrow of the government to establish a new social order.
  • She joined a radical political group that called for the abolition of capitalism.
  • The party's radical proposal for healthcare reform divided public opinion.
  • He was known for his radical ideas about education, advocating for a complete overhaul of the system.
  • The radical environmentalist group staged protests to demand immediate action on climate change.
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2

(of actions, ideas, etc.) very new and different from the norm

  • The scientist proposed a radical theory that challenged established beliefs.
  • They implemented radical changes to the company's structure to improve efficiency.
  • His radical ideas about education sparked a lot of debate.
  • The artist's radical approach to painting broke all traditional rules.
  • She took a radical step by quitting her job to travel the world.
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3

originating from or relating to the root or source of something

  • The scientist studied the radical causes of the disease.
  • Their solution addressed the radical problem in the system.
  • Radical changes in policy affected every department.
  • The engineer focused on the radical defect in the machinery.
  • They traced the radical source of the issue to human error.
4

(of leaves) growing at or arising from the base of a plant or directly from the root or rootstock

  • The plant has several radical leaves sprouting at its base.
  • Radical foliage helps identify the species.
  • New radical shoots emerged after pruning.
  • The gardener examined the radical leaves for disease.
  • Radical growth is common in young seedlings.
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5

of or relating to a root in language, such as the root of a word

  • The radical of the verb conveys its essential meaning.
  • Linguists studied the radical forms in ancient texts.
  • Each radical in the script represents a basic semantic unit.
  • The word's radical indicates its original root.
  • Radical analysis helps understand word formation.