Revolutionary
/ˌrɛvəˈluːʃənəri/
Definitions
2 meaningsCausing or relating to a great or complete change.
/ˌrɛvəˈluːʃənəri/
Causing or constituting a major change; radically new or innovative.
The printing press was a revolutionary invention that transformed the spread of information.
💡 Simply: Imagine you invent something super cool and changes everything! Like, instead of walking, everyone suddenly has a jetpack! That's revolutionary!
👶 For kids: Something that is revolutionary makes a BIG change, like when someone invents a new toy that everyone loves!
More Examples
The company launched a revolutionary new product that disrupted the market.
She proposed a revolutionary approach to solving the problem.
How It's Used
"The revolutionary reforms led to significant changes in the country's governance."
"The invention of the internet was a revolutionary breakthrough."
"His revolutionary painting style challenged traditional norms."
A person who takes part in or helps to cause a political revolution.
/ˌrɛvəˈluːʃənəri/
A person who actively participates in or advocates for a revolution.
The revolutionaries stormed the palace and seized power.
💡 Simply: Someone who actively tries to change the government or system, often in a big and forceful way. Think of someone fighting for freedom.
👶 For kids: A revolutionary is a person who wants to change the rules in a BIG way, maybe even by fighting!
More Examples
Many revolutionaries were inspired by the ideals of freedom and equality.
He was considered a leading revolutionary in the movement.
How It's Used
"The revolutionaries fought for independence."
"The revolutionaries sought to overthrow the existing regime."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
Revolutionary Guard
A military organization responsible for protecting a revolution and its ideals, often in a specific national context (e.g., the Iranian Revolutionary Guard).
"The Iranian Revolutionary Guard plays a significant role in Iranian politics and military affairs."
To be a revolutionary force
To be a major agent of change or someone/something that fundamentally transforms a situation.
"The internet has been a revolutionary force in communication."
From Late Latin revolutionarius, from revolutionem (nominative revolutio, meaning "a turning over, a revolution"). The word entered English in the 17th century, initially referring to cyclical events, then increasingly to political upheaval and radical change.
The term gained prominence during the French Revolution and other periods of radical political and social upheaval.
Memory tip
Think of a 'revolution' – turning things completely around. Revolutionary things do the same, but in a broader sense.