B2 adjective Neutral

radical

/ra.ðiˈkal/

Relating to or affecting the fundamental nature of something; far-reaching or thorough. It often describes changes or ideas that go to the root of a matter.

Examples

3 of 5
1

La empresa propuso una transformación radical.

The company proposed a radical transformation.

2

Sus ideas políticas son muy radicales.

His political ideas are very radical.

3

Hizo un giro radical en su carrera profesional.

He made a radical turn in his professional career.

Word Family

Noun
radicalismo
Verb
radicalizar
Adverb
radicalmente
Adjective
radical
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Memory Tip

Think of 'radish' (a root vegetable). Radical means going to the 'root'.

Quick Quiz

La tecnología ha provocado un cambio ___ en la comunicación.

Correct!

The correct answer is: radical

Examples

1

La empresa propuso una transformación radical.

business

The company proposed a radical transformation.

2

Sus ideas políticas son muy radicales.

formal

His political ideas are very radical.

3

Hizo un giro radical en su carrera profesional.

everyday

He made a radical turn in his professional career.

4

La cirugía fue una medida radical pero necesaria.

medical

Surgery was a radical but necessary measure.

5

Es una diferencia radical entre los dos sistemas.

academic

It is a radical difference between the two systems.

Word Family

Noun
radicalismo
Verb
radicalizar
Adverb
radicalmente
Adjective
radical

Common Collocations

cambio radical radical change
medida radical radical measure
solución radical radical solution
postura radical radical stance
transformación radical radical transformation

Common Phrases

de forma radical

in a radical way

un giro radical

a radical turn

radicalmente opuesto

radically opposed

Often Confused With

radical vs rápido

Rápido means fast; radical means fundamental/deep.

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Usage Notes

Commonly used in academic writing to emphasize the depth of a change or difference.

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Common Mistakes

In some contexts, 'radical' can have negative political connotations; use with care when describing people.

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Memory Tip

Think of 'radish' (a root vegetable). Radical means going to the 'root'.

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Word Origin

From Latin 'radicalis', from 'radix' (root).

Grammar Patterns

un/una + sustantivo + radical radicalmente + adjetivo

Quick Quiz

La tecnología ha provocado un cambio ___ en la comunicación.

Correct!

The correct answer is: radical

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