noun

radicalism

RAD-ih-kuh-liz-uhm

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Radicalism (noun) means Political or social beliefs and movements that push for fundamental, far-reaching change to the structure of society. Example: “The pamphlet traced the rise of radicalism among factory workers in the nineteenth century.”

noun

Political or social beliefs and movements that push for fundamental, far-reaching change to the structure of society.

"The pamphlet traced the rise of radicalism among factory workers in the nineteenth century."

"Her politics shifted towards radicalism after she joined the student union."

"Historians still argue about what pushed the movement from reform towards radicalism."

How to use radicalism

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA general word for wanting sweeping change to how society is run, rather than small adjustments.

When to use it

Radicalism is a fairly formal word, most at home in political, historical or academic writing.

Memory tip

Remember that radicalism names the belief itself, while radical is the word used to describe a person or idea holding it.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

radicalization

Common pairings

political radicalism religious radicalism rise of radicalism radicalism of the movement

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “radicalism” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The pamphlet traced the rise of _____ among factory workers in the nineteenth century.

Etymology

Formed in English by adding the suffix -ism to radical. The word marks the shift from radical as a describing word to the name of the outlook itself.

Origin: English

Antonyms

moderation

Related words

mode relief restraint moderation mitigation easing temperance polarization

Rhymes for radicalism

realism idealism socialism vandalism federalism capitalism liberalism surrealism journalism materialism cannibalism nationalism

See all rhymes for radicalism →

Frequently asked questions

What does radicalism mean?

It refers to political or social movements that call for fundamental change to how society is organised, rather than gradual reform.

Is radicalism the same as extremism?

Not exactly. Radicalism describes a push for deep, structural change, while extremism more often refers to the methods or intensity used to pursue a cause.

Where does the word radicalism come from?

It comes from radical, with the suffix -ism added to turn the adjective into the name of a belief system.

What is the meaning of radicalism?

"radicalism" (noun) means political or social beliefs and movements that push for fundamental, far-reaching change to the structure of society.

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mode relief restraint moderation mitigation easing temperance polarization