# radically

/ˈɹædɪkɫi/ (US) · /ɹˈædɪkli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/radically
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. completely or fundamentally

adverb · CEFR B2

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

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

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

adverb · CEFR C2 · Technical

relating to the root or the very beginning of something.

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

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

## Examples

- The company changed its strategy radically.
- The new law radically altered how schools teach history.
- The invention of the internet radically transformed global communication, shrinking distances and accelerating the flow of information across borders.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.