antiradical
|an-ti-rad-i-cal|
/ˌæn.tiˈræd.ɪ.kəl/
against radicalism
Etymology
'antiradical' originates from Modern English, specifically formed from the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti' meaning 'against') and the adjective 'radical' (from Latin 'radix' meaning 'root').
'radical' entered English via Latin 'radicalis' (from 'radix') and Old French; the prefix 'anti-' comes from Greek 'anti' via Latin/Old French. The compound 'antiradical' was formed in English by attaching 'anti-' to 'radical', appearing in contexts opposing radicals or radical movements by the 19th century.
Initially a literal compound meaning 'against radicals' or 'against what is radical'; over time it has maintained this core sense and is used to describe opposition to radicalism or radical change.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who is opposed to radicals or radical policies; an opponent of radicalism.
Many antiradicals in the assembly argued against the proposed measures.
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Adjective 1
opposed to radicalism or radical change; favoring moderate or conservative approaches.
The party adopted an antiradical stance, opposing rapid social reforms.
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Last updated: 2025/09/08 14:58