revolutionary
reh-vuh-LOO-shuhn-ree
Revolutionary (adj) means involving a complete or dramatic change. Example: “The vaccine was a revolutionary breakthrough in medicine.”
adj
1
Involving a complete or dramatic change.
"The vaccine was a revolutionary breakthrough in medicine."
"The company launched a revolutionary design that changed how people use phones."
"Her revolutionary approach to teaching turned the whole school upside down."
noun
1
A person who takes part in, or advocates, a political revolution.
"The old revolutionary spent his final years writing memoirs."
"In the novel, a young revolutionary hides in the mountains."
"The statue honours a revolutionary who wanted a fairer country for everyone."
How to use revolutionary
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither "causing dramatic change" (adjective) or "a person fighting to overthrow the existing order" (noun).
Common pairings
revolutionary idea
revolutionary leader
truly revolutionary
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Word forms
- Plural
- revolutionaries
- Comparative
- more revolutionary
- Superlative
- most revolutionary
Fill the gap
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The vaccine was a _____ breakthrough in medicine.
Etymology
Modelled on French révolutionnaire, formed from revolution plus -ary.
Synonyms
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groundbreaking
radical
transformative
rebel
insurgent
insurrectionist
rotatory
subverter
revolutionist
subversive
Antonyms
counterrevolutionary
Related words
Rhymes for revolutionary
See all rhymes for revolutionary →Frequently asked questions
What does “revolutionary” mean?
The word “revolutionary” means involving a complete or dramatic change. In plain terms, either "causing dramatic change" (adjective) or "a person fighting to overthrow the existing order" (noun).
How do you pronounce “revolutionary”?
“Revolutionary” is pronounced reh-vuh-LOO-shuhn-ree (/ˌɹɛvəˈluʃənɛɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “revolutionary” in a sentence?
Here is “revolutionary” used in a sentence: “The vaccine was a revolutionary breakthrough in medicine.”
What part of speech is “revolutionary”?
Depending on how it is used, “revolutionary” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “revolutionary” come from?
The word “revolutionary” comes from French. Modelled on French révolutionnaire, formed from revolution plus -ary.
Is “revolutionary” a common word?
“Revolutionary” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “revolutionary” have?
“Revolutionary” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: involving a complete or dramatic change.
What is the difference between revolutionary and innovative?
Revolutionary describes something involving a complete or dramatic change that overturns what came before. Innovative means introducing new ideas or methods, which may be improvements without being as sweeping or radical as a revolution.
What is the difference between a revolutionary and a rebel?
A revolutionary takes part in or advocates a political revolution aimed at fundamentally changing a system of government or society. A rebel resists authority or control but may not seek complete political overthrow.
When should you use revolutionary as an adjective versus a noun?
Use revolutionary as an adjective to describe something that brings dramatic change, as in a revolutionary invention. Use it as a noun for a person who takes part in or supports a political revolution.
What is the difference between revolutionary and evolutionary?
Revolutionary describes sudden, dramatic, and complete change. Evolutionary describes gradual, step-by-step change that develops slowly over time.
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