revolutionize
/,revə'lu:ʃnaiz/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb:
- To completely and fundamentally change something, often by introducing new methods or ideas: This is the core meaning, indicating a transformation so significant it alters the very nature or foundation of a system, process, or field.
- To overthrow a government or system by revolution: This meaning is specifically political, referring to the act of causing or effecting a revolution to replace an existing regime.
Usage and Examples
Verb (General Transformation):
- The invention of the internet revolutionized how people access information.
- This new software has the potential to revolutionize the entire industry.
- Her theories revolutionized our understanding of physics.
Verb (Political Overthrow):
- The rebels sought to revolutionize the corrupt government.
- The aim of the movement was to revolutionize the existing social order.
Advanced Usage
"to revolutionize the way [something is done]": A common collocation emphasizing a change in methodology.
- Streaming services revolutionized the way we consume movies and music.
Used in passive voice: Often describes the state of a field or system after a major change.
- The field of medicine has been revolutionized by genetic research.
Variants and Related Words
- Revolution (n): A fundamental and sudden change in political power or organizational structures, or a dramatic change in ideas or practice.
- Revolutionary (adj): Involving or causing a complete or dramatic change. (adj): Relating to a political revolution. (n): A person who advocates or engages in a revolution.
- Revolutionizer (n): One who revolutionizes something (less common).
Synonyms
- Transform: To change in form, appearance, or structure.
- Overhaul: To examine thoroughly and make necessary repairs or changes.
- Modernize: To adapt something to modern needs or habits.
- Upend: To set or turn something on its end; to cause great change.
Antonyms
- Preserve: To maintain something in its original or existing state.
- Stagnate: To cease developing or advancing.
- Uphold: To maintain or support a tradition, system, or law.
Related Phrases and Concepts
- Paradigm shift: A fundamental change in the basic concepts and experimental practices of a scientific discipline, closely related to the concept of revolutionizing a field.
- Game-changer (n): A person, idea, or event that completely changes the current situation or way of doing something (a more informal synonym for a revolutionary agent).
Verb
- fill with revolutionary ideas
- overthrow by a revolution, of governments
- change radically
- E-mail revolutionized communication in academe