revolutionary
UK[ˌrevəˈluːʃənəri]US[ˌrevəˈluːʃəneri]
adj
involving or causing a complete or dramatic change
adj
relating to or supporting a political revolution
n
a person who starts or supports a political revolution
Morpheme Breakdown
revolution
ary
revolution
noun base
ary
adjective-forming suffix
Etymology
the word 'revolutionary' is built upon the noun 'revolution,' which originates from the latin verb 'revolvere,' meaning "to roll back" or "to turn around." this literal sense of cyclical motion evolved metaphorically to describe a fundamental, often abrupt, change in political systems, akin to the world "turning over." the suffix '-ary,' denoting "related to," was attached, transforming the noun into an adjective describing something pertaining to or characteristic of such radical change. thus, the term's journey from a physical act of turning to an abstract concept of transformative upheaval encapsulates its modern meanings of dramatic innovation or political rebellion.
Analysis
Structure: revolution (noun base) + ary (adjective-forming suffix)
- revolution: from latin 'revolutio' (a turning around), from 'revolvere' (to roll back). functions as the core noun base.
- ary: from latin '-arius' (pertaining to, connected with). functions as a suffix forming adjectives meaning "of or pertaining to."
Examples
the invention of the internet was a revolutionary development in communication.
the revolutionary forces captured the capital city.
she was considered a revolutionary for her radical ideas on social equality.