Radical is part of the Academic Word List. It is important for students in college and university.

## Contents

### Pronunciation

1. A radical change, difference, etc. is very big and important; from the roots.
The plan will not be easy and requires a radical change in the culture of the city.
Many voices are calling for a more radical move away from the current situation.
2. A radial idea, policy, etc. is one that is new and different; not standard.
More radical organisations like Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth have brought attention to these issues.
In a totalitarian society there is no more radical emotion than disbelief.
3. (technical) Of or about a root (e.g., ${\displaystyle {\sqrt {4}}=2}$, the roots of plants, the root of a word, etc.)
4. cool
Dude, that outfit is rad!

## Noun

1. (countable) A radical is a person whose views are very different from most people.
Leading radicals have called for a two-hour general strike on Monday.
These were young radicals, overturning the post war consensus, rolling back the state, liberalising markets, and transforming the political economy.
2. (countable) (mathematics) A quantity expressed as a root of another quantity. (e.g., ${\displaystyle {\sqrt {4}}}$)
3. (countable) (chemistry) An atom or a group of atoms with at least one unpaired electron.
4. (countable) (grammar) The basic part of a word to which other parts can be added (e.g., runner)
5. (countable) A radical is one part of a Chinese or Japanese written character that can be combined with other parts to form a whole character.