radically
gb/ɹˈædɪkli/ us/ɹˈædɪkli/
B2
English
~ 7400
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B2
quantity
1
very; extremely; to a great degree
Very, very much; extremely.
Usage pattern:
radically [adjective]
Common mistake:
Learners often use "radically" only with political ideas because they know the adjective "radical" from politics. In everyday English, it is also common simply as a strong form of "very" or "extremely" before adjectives (e.g., "radically different"). Another mistake is using the adjective form *radical* instead of the adverb *radically* before adjectives, e.g., saying *a radical different idea* instead of *a radically different idea*.
Synonyms
extremely (Most common and neutral everyday intensifier; slightly less strong or dramatic in tone than "radically".)
|
drastically (Often suggests sudden or severe change; "radically" can be more about degree or nature, not just severity.)
Antonyms
slightly (Indicates a small degree, the opposite of the strong intensity expressed by "radically".)
|
somewhat (Signals only a moderate degree, contrasting with the very high degree of "radically".)
Collocations
radically different
|radically new
|radically more efficient
|radically more expensive
|radically better
|radically improved
Themes
communication
|opinions
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The new engine is radically more efficient than the old one.
- Our workload increased radically after the company merged with its competitor.
- Her attitude toward money has changed radically since she had children.
- The latest model is radically better in terms of battery life.
- Housing prices have risen radically in the past five years.
Learner examples
- This phone is radically better than my old one.
- The city is now radically more expensive than before.
- Her life became radically more busy after the baby was born.
- The rules are radically different in this new game.
- My English has improved radically this year.
adverb
C1
relation
2
in a fundamental or basic way
In a way that changes the basic part of something, not just small details.
Usage pattern:
to [verb] [something] radically
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use "radically" when changes are small or only about appearance. Reserve this word for deep, important changes that affect the core of a system, idea, or way of life. For minor changes, use words like "slightly" or "a bit" instead.
Synonyms
fundamentally (Very close in meaning; stresses change at the most basic level without the slightly stronger or more dramatic flavor of "radically".)
|
profoundly (Focuses on the depth and seriousness of the change rather than on its structural or root-level nature.)
Antonyms
superficially (Describes changes that only affect the surface, opposite to the deep, basic changes implied by "radically".)
|
slightly (Suggests only small adjustments, not the structural or root-level changes indicated by "radically".)
Collocations
radically change
|radically reform
|radically reshape
|radically alter
|radically transform
|radically redesign
Themes
politics
|business
|society
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The company had to radically change its business model to survive.
- Digital technology has radically transformed the way we communicate.
- They are proposing to radically reform the health-care system.
- Working from home has radically reshaped daily life for many people.
- The new constitution would radically alter the balance of power.
Learner examples
- The internet has radically changed how we get news.
- The school wants to radically change the way it teaches languages.
- Solar power could radically reduce the use of oil.
- We need to radically rethink our plan.
- Her move to another country radically changed her lifestyle.
adverb
C1
property
3
in an extremely political way
In a way that supports very strong political or social ideas that would change society a lot.
Usage pattern:
radically [adjective] (about beliefs or politics)
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this sense with the general meaning of "very" and use it where no political or ideological context exists. When talking about politics or strong beliefs, "radically" suggests ideas that are far from the center, not just mildly strong opinions.
Synonyms
extremist (Often stronger and more negative, suggesting willingness to act aggressively; "radically" can describe beliefs without implying violence.)
|
revolutionarily (Emphasizes support for revolution; "radically" can be broader, including non-revolutionary but still far-reaching change.)
Antonyms
moderately (Suggests centrist or middle-of-the-road views, opposite to the strong, far-reaching positions implied by "radically".)
|
conventionally (Indicates support for usual or traditional views, contrasting with the desire for major change signaled by "radically".)
Collocations
radically left-wing
|radically conservative
|radically progressive
|radically feminist
|radically opposed to democracy
|radically anti-government
Themes
politics
|society
|ideology
Examples
- The party has become radically more conservative in recent years.
- She is radically opposed to any form of censorship.
- His views on economic policy are radically different from the mainstream.
- The group is radically critical of existing power structures.
- Some members are radically in favor of abolishing the monarchy.
Learner examples
- The new leader thinks radically about social justice.
- Some students are radically against the new law.
- The movement is radically different from traditional parties.
- Her parents are not radical, but her brother thinks much more radically.
- The group is radically critical of the government.
Grammar
Dictionary form
radically
IPA
GB/ɹˈædɪkli/
US/ɹˈædɪkli/
Syllables & stress
rad - ic - ally (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (rad)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: radically
- Plural: radicallies
Word family
Forms
radicallies
noun
Core family
radical
adjective B2
Related words
radicalize
verb
radicalization
noun C1
Negative and opposite forms
deradicalize
verb
Advanced or less common
radicalism
noun
deradicalization
noun
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.