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Definition of radical adjective from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

radical

adjective
 
 
/ˈrædɪkl/
 
/ˈrædɪkl/
[usually before noun]
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  1.  
    relating to the most basic and important parts of something; complete and detailed synonym far-reaching
    • the need for radical changes in education
    • demands for radical reform of the law
    • radical differences between the two systems
    • This document marks a radical departure from earlier recommendations.
  2.  
    new, different and likely to have a great effect
    • radical ideas
    • a radical solution to the problem
    • radical proposals
    • a truly radical concept
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryverbs
    • be
    • seem
    • sound
    • …
    adverb
    • extremely
    • fairly
    • very
    • …
    See full entry
  3.  
    in favour of extreme and complete political or social change
    • the radical wing of the party
    • radical politicians/students/writers
    Wordfinder
    Topics Politicsc1
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryverbs
    • be
    • seem
    • sound
    • …
    adverb
    • extremely
    • fairly
    • very
    • …
    See full entry
  4. (North American English, old-fashioned, slang) very good
    5. Word Originlate Middle English (in the senses ‘forming the root’ and ‘inherent’): from late Latin radicalis, from Latin radix, radic- ‘root’.
See radical in the Oxford Advanced American DictionarySee radical in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic English
Check pronunciation: radical

Nearby words

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noun
 
 
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