“Radically” is an adverb that generally means in a far - reaching, fundamental, or extreme way. Here are some synonyms and their analyses:
1. Drastically
- Meaning: “Drastically” implies a significant and often sudden change or difference. It suggests a large - scale alteration that can have a profound impact. For example, “The company’s profits dropped drastically after the new competitor entered the market.” Here, it shows a severe and notable decline, similar to how “radically” can imply a far - reaching change.
- Example: “The new diet plan caused his weight to change drastically in just a few weeks.”
2. Extensively
- Meaning: “Extensively” emphasizes the idea of covering a wide range or a large extent. It doesn’t necessarily imply a change as strongly as “radically” or “drastically,” but it does suggest a thorough or comprehensive approach. For example, “The researchers extensively studied the effects of the new drug.” It shows that the research was carried out over a broad scope, perhaps looking at many different aspects of the drug’s effects.
- Example: “The house was extensively renovated, with every room receiving major updates.”
3. Fundamentally
- Meaning: “Fundamentally” means at a basic or essential level. It implies a change or difference that affects the very foundation or core of something. For example, “The new theory fundamentally changed our understanding of physics.” This shows that the new theory had a deep - seated impact on the basic principles of the subject, much like “radically” can when it refers to a far - reaching alteration of a fundamental nature.
- Example: “His beliefs were fundamentally different from those of his parents.”
4. Utterly
- Meaning: “Utterly” means completely or entirely. It gives a sense of totality and can be used to emphasize a radical change or state. For example, “The landscape was utterly transformed by the volcanic eruption.” Here, it shows a total and perhaps unexpected change, similar to the extreme nature that “radically” can convey.
- Example: “She was utterly convinced of her decision after hearing the arguments.”
5. Thoroughly
- Meaning: “Thoroughly” means in a complete and careful manner. It implies a comprehensive treatment or understanding. While it may not always imply the same kind of extreme change as “radically,” it can suggest a far - reaching examination or alteration. For example, “The house was thoroughly cleaned, with every nook and cranny attended to.”
- Example: “The problem was thoroughly analyzed to find the root cause.”