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radical

adjectiveCEFR B2

What does “radical” mean in English?

  1. 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 B2 words