Definition of Revolutionary
Quick Meaning of Revolutionary
Completely different from what existed before. Causes a major change in how people think or do something.
Detailed Definition of Revolutionary
Involving or causing a dramatic, complete change in something; radically new and innovative.
How to Pronounce Revolutionary
Stress pattern: ooOooo (6-syllable word).
Tip: Five syllables: rev-ə-LOO-shən-er-ee. Stress the third syllable: rev-ə-LOO-shə-ner-ee. The final '-ary' is pronounced with three syllables, not two.
Watch out: Learners often say rev-ə-loo-SHEN-ary (stress 4th syllable) or skip syllables entirely. Correct: rev-ə-LOO-shə-ner-ee (stress 3rd syllable).
Origin and Etymology of Revolutionary
From 'revolution' (Latin 'revolutio' = turning around) + suffix '-ary'. The term 'revolutionary' as an adjective has been used since the late 18th century, originally describing the French Revolution.
How to Use Revolutionary in a Sentence
Each example shows “revolutionary” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“The internet was a revolutionary technology that transformed global communication.”
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“Her revolutionary approach to teaching has influenced education systems worldwide.”
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“This revolutionary treatment offers hope to millions of patients suffering from the disease.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Revolutionary
Common Synonyms for Revolutionary
Smart Synonyms for Revolutionary — When to Use Each
- radical
- Similar meaning; emphasizes extreme/fundamental change
- transformative
- More neutral; highlights the change effect without judgement
- innovative
- Broader term; new ideas but not necessarily complete
- groundbreaking
- Very similar; both mean truly new and important
Antonyms of Revolutionary
Common Collocations with Revolutionary
These phrases pair with “revolutionary” in everyday English:
- revolutionary change
- revolutionary technology
- revolutionary idea
- revolutionary approach
- revolutionary impact
Common Mistakes When Using Revolutionary
Even fluent speakers slip up with “revolutionary”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: The idea is very revolutionary.
- ✓ Correct: The idea is revolutionary. / The idea is quite revolutionary.
- Why: 'Very' is often considered redundant with 'revolutionary' since it already implies extreme newness. Use 'quite' instead.
- ✗ Wrong: A revolutionary discovery was maked.
- ✓ Correct: A revolutionary discovery was made.
- Why: Use 'made' (past tense of make), not 'maked' (which doesn't exist).
- ✗ Wrong: The revolutionary in the lab created something new.
- ✓ Correct: The revolutionary scientist in the lab created something new. / The person with revolutionary ideas created something new.
- Why: 'Revolutionary' is an adjective here and needs a noun. As a noun, use 'revolutionary' for a person involved in revolution (political context).
Words Confused With Revolutionary
- Revolutionary vs Revolting: 'Revolting' means disgusting/repulsive. 'Revolutionary' means dramatically innovative (completely different meanings)
Other Forms of Revolutionary
- Noun: revolution, revolutionary (person)
- Adjective: revolutionary
- Adverb: revolutionarily
Frequently Asked Questions About Revolutionary
What is the meaning of "Revolutionary"?
Completely different from what existed before. Causes a major change in how people think or do something.
How do you pronounce "Revolutionary"?
The IPA is /ˌrevəˈluːʃəneri/. Five syllables: rev-ə-LOO-shən-er-ee. Stress the third syllable: rev-ə-LOO-shə-ner-ee. The final '-ary' is pronounced with three syllables, not two.
What part of speech is "Revolutionary"?
"Revolutionary" is an adjective at B2 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Revolutionary"?
Common synonyms include radical, transformative, groundbreaking.
How do you use "Revolutionary" in a sentence?
For example: "The internet was a revolutionary technology that transformed global communication."