radical
adjectiveUpper-intermediate
What does “radical” mean in English?
radical — involving fundamental change or going to the root of something; can describe political positions or transformational change
radical — involving fundamental change or going to the root of something; can describe political positions or transformational change (cambios radicales, postura radical)
Example sentences
El cambio fue demasiado radical para algunos.
The change was too radical for some.
Necesitamos una reforma radical del sistema.
We need a radical reform of the system.
Sus ideas son bastante radicales.
His ideas are quite radical.
How to use it
'Radical' means radical or drastic — used with ser for inherent quality. In political contexts it carries connotations of extremism. The cognate 'radical' in English is a near-perfect match at B2 level.
Common mistake
Don't use 'drástico' and 'radical' interchangeably — 'drástico' emphasises severity, 'radical' emphasises going to the root.
Topics
Related Upper-intermediate words
Reference
This entry’s teaching guidance follows Plan Curricular del Instituto Cervantes (Instituto Cervantes), B2 Nociones: grado e intensidad.