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.

Examples

  • Their proposal would radically reduce the mayor's powers.
  • The company radically redesigned its supply chain.
  • The two designs are radically different.
  • The treatment radically changed his quality of life.
  • The revised plan was radically simpler.

Similar words

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

Meanings

In a fundamental way

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

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.

Similar words

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.

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.

Similar words

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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