The word “radical” comes from the Latin word radix, meaning “root.” Its earliest use in English dates back to the late 14th century, when it referred to something “relating to a root or origin.” Over time, the term’s meaning has evolved significantly, both in its literal and metaphorical senses.

Early Uses:

• Botanical and Medical Origins: The original use of “radical” was quite literal, often describing something fundamental or relating to the root, such as in botany (the root of a plant) or medicine (addressing the root cause of an illness). For example, in medicine, “radical” treatments were those that targeted the root of a disease, aiming for a complete cure.

Political and Social Shift:

• 18th Century (Political Sense): In the late 18th century, “radical” began to acquire its modern connotation of advocating for thorough and sweeping change. The term was used to describe political reformers in Britain who sought significant changes to the parliamentary system. These reformers were considered “radicals” because they wanted to address the root causes of social and political issues rather than just dealing with surface-level reforms.
• 19th Century (Political Movements): The term gained popularity throughout the 19th century, particularly during the Radical Reform Movement in Britain, which advocated for voting rights, more representative governance, and social reforms. Over time, “radical” came to describe any person or group pushing for profound political, social, or economic change.

20th Century and Beyond:

• Radical in Political Ideology: In the 20th century, “radical” became more commonly associated with left-wing political movements, though it can refer to any ideology that seeks to challenge the status quo. In contexts ranging from communism to anarchism, the term was used to describe individuals who aimed to overthrow existing power structures and establish new systems based on different values.
• Scientific Uses: In chemistry, “radical” also refers to a group of atoms acting together as a single unit, especially in reactions, where free radicals are highly reactive and fundamental to chemical processes.

Modern Usage:

Today, “radical” can carry both positive and negative connotations. It can be used to describe someone with extreme political views, someone who wants to address fundamental issues, or even someone whose ideas are innovative and unconventional.

The word retains its core meaning of being deeply transformative, whether referring to root causes, fundamental changes, or extreme ideas.