How to Pronounce Radical

To pronounce "radical", say RAD-ic-al — 3 syllables, IPA /ˈɹædɪkəl/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

radical

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Accent

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Speed

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Syllables

Letters

/ˈɹædɪkəl/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “radical”

"radical" has 3 syllables: rad-ic-al. It rhymes with radicle, if that helps it stick.

What does radical mean?

noun

(historical: 19th-century Britain) A member of the most progressive wing of the Liberal Party; someone favouring social reform (but generally stopping short of socialism).
(historical: early 20th-century France) A member of an influential, centrist political party favouring moderate social reform, a republican constitution, and secular politics.

adjective

Favoring fundamental change, or change at the root cause of a matter.
“His beliefs are radical.”
Pertaining to a root (of a plant).

Synonyms

primitive fundamental

Antonyms

derivative derived ignorable trivial

Hear “radical” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with radical

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

radicle

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "radical"?▾

"Radical" has 3 syllables: rad · ic · al.

What is the IPA transcription of "radical"?▾

The IPA transcription of "radical" is /ˈɹædɪkəl/.

What does "radical" mean?▾

Radical: (historical: 19th-century Britain) A member of the most progressive wing of the Liberal Party; someone favouring social reform (but generally stopping short of socialism).

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