French word

révolutionnaire

Pronunciation

IPA/ʁevolysjonɛʁ/

Meaning

  • adjectiverevolutionary

Example

Cette invention est révolutionnaire.

This invention is revolutionary.

Illustration for révolutionnaire (revolutionary)

More examples

Son projet est trop révolutionnaire pour cette entreprise.

His project is too revolutionary for this company.

Core concept

A force or idea breaks established structures and replaces them with a radically different order.

Common phrases

  • idée révolutionnaire

    revolutionary idea

  • projet révolutionnaire

    revolutionary project

Similar words

innovant: Uses new ideas or technology to change performance or how something is used.
novateur: Shows novelty through features not found in earlier examples.
radical: Seeks fundamental change through strong and far-reaching measures.

Definition in French

Qui provoque ou incarne un changement profond et rapide de l'ordre établi, souvent en politique, dans la société ou dans la technique.

Word origin

Révolutionnaire was formed in French from révolution and -aire, and révolution descends from Latin revolutio, based on revolvere, meaning to turn around.

Usage tips

  • Révolutionnaire often sounds stronger than English innovative, so innovant is usually more neutral for ordinary improvements or new products.

Other meanings

  • innovativeadjective
  • radicaladjective

Opposites

  • conservateurconservativeadjective
  • réactionnairereactionaryadjective

Related words

Word lists with this word