ENGLISH
REFERENCE

revolutionary

adj.
C1 Advanced Oxford US //ˌɹɛvəˈɫuʃəˌnɛɹi// UK //ɹˌɛvəlˈuːʃənəɹi// rev·o·lu·tion·ary Informal

adj. describing a person or idea that wants to change a system or society completely. You use this for things that are totally new and different from what came before.

adj. involving or causing a complete and dramatic change in a system, society, or field of study. Often used to describe political movements or groundbreaking innovations.


SIMPLE

The new smartphone had a revolutionary design.

CONTEXTUAL

The scientist's revolutionary theory changed how we understand the universe and replaced centuries of old ideas.

COMPLEX

While many activists called for revolutionary changes to the legal system, the government preferred a more gradual approach to reform to maintain social stability.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

Typically placed before the noun it modifies; can be used in both political and technical contexts.

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