What does revolutionary mean?
Revolutionary describes a person, idea, event, or development that seeks to replace or fundamentally transform an established order. Its strongest and most familiar sense is political: a revolutionary challenges the authority of a government, social system, or ruling institution. The word can also describe innovations that produce a dramatic change, such as a revolutionary medical treatment or design. As a noun, a revolutionary is someone who supports or takes part in such transformation. Although the term sometimes suggests conflict or violence, it can apply to intellectual, artistic, and technological change as well. Compared with radical, revolutionary more strongly suggests the overthrow or replacement of an existing system; compared with rebellious, it is less focused on personal defiance and more on collective, structural change. In general use, the word can be rhetorical, so context determines whether it describes an established historical movement or a strikingly new idea.
Involving or causing a major change, especially a fundamental change in a political, social, or economic order.
"The new law was revolutionary because it transferred power directly to local communities."
Often used of political movements and institutions, but it can also describe strikingly transformative ideas, technologies, or creative works.
A person who supports or seeks fundamental change, especially political or social revolution.
"The revolutionary called for the immediate abolition of the old regime."
Most commonly associated with political or social movements, though it can also refer broadly to an advocate of radical change.
The usual plural form for people who advocate or take part in revolutionary change.
"Several revolutionaries were arrested during the uprising."
A revolutionary is someone who wants to change the rules—not merely play by them differently.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does revolutionary come from?
Revolutionary derives from the French révolutionnaire, which in turn comes from Latin revolutio, a “revolving” or “turning back,” from revolvere, “to turn back.” The word entered English in the late 17th century in the context of political upheaval, particularly the English Revolution. Its later sense of “characterized by novelty or major change” developed through comparison with revolution in the sense of a cyclical or transformative change.
Related word forms
How revolutionary is actually used
The adjective is often stronger and more politically charged than words such as innovative or progressive. In historical contexts, it commonly refers to political revolution; in general contexts, it can describe any strikingly transformative idea, product, or development. The noun is commonly used for political revolutionaries but can also refer more broadly to an advocate of radical change.
Easily confused with revolutionary
Rebellious describes resistance to authority or convention, whereas revolutionary more specifically refers to fundamental change, often political or social.
Radical emphasizes an extreme or far-reaching approach, while revolutionary focuses on changing or overturning an existing order.