revolutionary - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
revolutionary Word Meanings
- involving or causing a complete change
- relating to a political or social revolution
- a person advocating for radical change
revolutionary Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
revolutionary Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˌrɛvəˈluːʃənəri/
US
/ˌrɛvəˈluːʃənɛri/
revolutionary Word Etymology
revolutionary: 're-' = again, 'volution' = rolling/turning. Origin: Latin revolutio → Middle French révolution → English. Imagine a world turning upside down, symbolizing dramatic change.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I cradle a thought in my chest and turn it over in my mind. The room around me begins to shift as a revolutionary idea takes root. I push past doubt, adjust my stance, and let the sense of change move through me. At the end I place the idea where it can set others in motion.
Real Context
Revolutionary describes ideas, actions, or people that bring about radical, wide‑scale change. It can refer to technology or theory that breaks with the old order, as in groundbreaking inventions or revolutionary methods. It also relates to politics or social movements that aim to overthrow or fundamentally alter established systems. As a noun, it can name a person who advocates for radical reform, often with a sense of bold idealism. The word carries strong positive or negative connotations depending on context, suggesting urgency and decisive shifts rather than gradual improvement. Etymology traces to Latin revolutio, then French revolution, signaling a turning of the world toward a new direction.
Usage Reminders
- Use revolutionary for dramatic, wide‑scale change.
- Prefer it for ideas, methods, or movements, not small improvements.
- Pair with a noun: 'a revolutionary idea', 'a revolutionary movement'.
- Be mindful of tone: positive proselytizing vs negative upheaval.
- Avoid overusing in casual contexts where 'innovative' fits better.
- When referring to people, say 'a revolutionary' rather than just 'revolutionary'.
Common Misconceptions
- It means simply new or innovative, not necessarily causing upheaval.
- It always refers to politics or political movements.
- It can only describe people, not things.
- It implies violence or coercion by default.
- It is interchangeable with every synonym for 'new' or 'advanced'.
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker (meta, keep short): In English, revolutionary often conveys both the sense of radical change and a bold, activist mood. It applies to people (a revolutionary) and to theories, technologies, or movements. Learners sometimes treat it as purely positive or purely political; in many fields it simply means transformative, not necessarily confrontational.
Learning Tips
- Use it with nouns: revolutionary idea, revolutionary movement, revolutionary technology.
- Compare with radical and innovative to pick the right tone.
- Remember it can refer to people as well as concepts.
- Watch for political or social contexts where it carries strong connotations.
- Pair with definite or indefinite articles to shade emphasis (a revolutionary vs the revolutionary).
- Practice with historical and contemporary examples to feel nuance.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'revolutionary'?
A.Traditional
B.Innovation
C.Involved
D.Resistant
Step 2: Usage
Which of the following sentences uses 'revolutionary' correctly?
A.The new technology was revolutionary in changing industry standards.
B.He was very traditional in his approach.
C.She resisted the idea of change.
D.The project involved a lot of people.
Step 3: Similar Words
What is a synonym of 'revolutionary'?
A.Innovative
B.Modern
C.Conventional
D.Conservative
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is an antonym of 'revolutionary'?
A.Original
B.Stagnant
C.Innovative
D.Progressive
Step 5: Mastery
How is the term 'revolutionary' applied in real-world contexts?
A.Talking about a slow and unchanging process
B.Referring to someone who follows tradition
C.Describing a groundbreaking invention
D.Mentioning something ordinary and usual
Want to practice more words?
Download LexiTalk app for personalized learning experience
Download App