English Reference
adverb

radically

adv.
US /ˈɹædɪkɫi/ UK /ɹˈædɪkli/ rad·i·cal·ly

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    in a way that is very big and changes the most important parts of something.

    in a fundamental or extreme manner that affects the essential nature of something.

    Simple

    The new technology has radically changed the way we communicate with each other.

    In context

    The landscape of the industry was radically altered by the introduction of the new regulations, forcing many smaller firms to merge.

    Usage

    typically modifies verbs related to change, such as 'alter', 'transform', or 'differ'

  2. 02 C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    relating to the root or the very beginning of something.

    at the root or origin; used in technical or botanical contexts to describe where something starts.

    Simple

    The plant's leaves grow radically from the base of the stem.

    In context

    In certain botanical species, the foliage emerges radically, creating a dense cluster at the soil level rather than along a central stalk.

    Usage

    rare in general conversation; primarily used in biological or anatomical descriptions

    basally

Usage radically different · radically change

But Louise has her own deep-rooted connection with the place, and has discovered new information about Sunrise’s local hero that casts his story in a radically different light.

The Guardian· 18 Aug 2026

The search for exoplanets is radically expanding our understanding of the cosmos.

The Guardian· 11 Aug 2026

From radical + -ly or radix (“root”) + -ally.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated