Spanish Conversation · Level 23
90 words
Spanish word
radical
Pronunciation
IPA/raðiˈkal/
Meaning
- adjectiveradical
Example
Necesitamos un cambio radical.
We need a radical change.
More examples
El doctor recomendó un tratamiento radical ante la gravedad del caso.
The doctor recommended radical treatment given the seriousness of the case.
Core concept
Central gear removed from inside a machine.
Common phrases
tratamiento radical
radical treatment
solución radical
radical solution
Similar words
fundamental: Relates to the essential base or main principles that underlie something.
profundo: Extends deeply beneath the surface, affecting inner layers or feelings.
drástico: Produces an abrupt and severe change or response with strong immediate effect.
extremo: Reaches an extreme degree or limit in intensity or scope.
Definition in Spanish
Que implica un cambio profundo en la base o la naturaleza de algo.
Word origin
The Spanish adjective comes from Latin radix 'root' via the medieval adjective radicalis and carries the sense 'relating to the root', hence 'fundamental'.
Usage tips
- Stress in Spanish falls on the final syllable (ra-di-CAL), unlike common English stress on the first syllable, which can cause a pronunciation mismatch.
Other meanings
- revolutionaryadjective
Opposites
- levemildadjective
Related words
- radicalmenteradicallyadverb
- radicalidadradicalitynoun