radically

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/ˈrædɪkli/
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In a fundamental or extreme way, especially when a change reaches the root of something or differs sharply from what came before.
Practice using this word in conversation

Examples

  • The two designs are radically different.
  • Their proposal would radically reduce the mayor's powers.
  • The revised plan was radically simpler.
  • The treatment radically changed his quality of life.
  • Her view of education shifted radically after the trial.

Similar words

thoroughly
markedly
strikingly
drastically
dramatically
fundamentally
profoundly
root and branch
deeply
greatly

Meanings

In a fundamental way

adverb
change
neutral
In a way that changes or concerns the basic nature, root, or structure of something.

Usage

Use radically when the change reaches the core of a system, idea, design, or situation rather than adjusting a surface detail.

Examples

  • The new law changed the system radically.
  • Her view of education shifted radically after the trial.
  • The discovery radically altered the theory.
  • The company radically redesigned its supply chain.
  • Their proposal would radically reduce the mayor's powers.
  • The treatment radically changed his quality of life.

Common mistakes

The adverb is placed before a noun, or it is used for a small adjustment that is not fundamental.
IncorrectCorrect
She proposed a radically solution. She proposed a radical solution.
The update radically changed the button color. The update slightly changed the button color.
They made a radically reform. They made a radical reform.
The law was radically. The law was radical.

Similar words

fundamentally
profoundly
thoroughly
deeply
drastically
root and branch

To an extreme degree

adverb
degree
neutral
To a very great, striking, or unusual degree, especially when something differs sharply from what is normal or expected.

Usage

Use radically for strong difference or intensity when the wording suggests a bold departure, and choose extremely for ordinary high degree.

Examples

  • The two designs are radically different.
  • Her haircut looked radically shorter than before.
  • The revised plan was radically simpler.
  • The city became radically more expensive in a decade.
  • Their methods were radically unlike anything the school had tried.
  • The prototype performed radically better after the rebuild.

Common mistakes

The adverb is used as a general intensifier where a simpler degree word sounds more natural.
IncorrectCorrect
She was radically happy about the news. She was extremely happy about the news.
The soup was radically hot. The soup was very hot.
The price increased radically by one percent. The price increased slightly by one percent.
He wore a radically blue shirt. He wore a bright blue shirt.

Similar words

extremely
drastically
markedly
strikingly
dramatically
greatly

Usage

Use radically with verbs and adjectives such as changed radically or radically different, and use radical before nouns.

Common mistakes

Radically decision and a radically change use the adverb before a noun, where radical decision or radical change is needed.

Etymology

From radical plus -ly. Radical ultimately comes from Latin radix, "root".

FAQ

What does radically mean?

Radically means in a fundamental way or to a very great and striking degree.

Is radically an adverb?

Yes. Radically is the adverb form of radical.

Can you say radically change?

Yes. Radically change is correct because radically modifies the verb change.

When should I use radical instead of radically?

Use radical before a noun, as in radical change. Use radically with a verb or adjective, as in changed radically.

What is the difference between radically and drastically?

Radically often stresses change at the root or core, while drastically often stresses severity or size of effect.

Where does radically come from?

Radically comes from radical plus -ly, and radical traces back to Latin radix, meaning root.

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