Etymology Map
Back to all words

Radical

2 stages from Late Latin to English.

Today it means relating to the fundamental nature; favouring drastic change

Where does the word "radical" come from? It comes from Late Latin radicalis, adopted directly into English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
radicalis
Late Latin · ancient
"of roots"
from 'radix', root, the root of 'radish'
2
Stage 2 of 2
radical
English · 1300s
"of roots"
political 'radicals' date from the 1800s
Drag to pan · scroll to zoom
Read the full story

Radical’s story begins in Late Latin: radicalis meant “of roots.” From 'radix', root, the root of 'radish'. It reached English by 1300s as radical. Political 'radicals' date from the 1800s. Today, radical means relating to the fundamental nature; favouring drastic change.