radikal

Radikal is a term used in several languages to denote something fundamental, essential, or extreme. It derives from the Latin radicalis, meaning rooted or foundational, and has entered many European languages in forms such as radikal. In Turkish, the word is radikal and has appeared widely in both everyday language and media.

In politics and social thought, radikal describes proposals or movements that seek sweeping, foundational changes to political, economic, or social systems. The term can be neutral, favorable, or pejorative depending on context and viewpoint.

In linguistics and philosophy, radikal is used to discuss root-level properties or underlying causes. In everyday usage, people may speak of “radikal reform” or “radikal change” to emphasize scope and depth.

The best-known use as a proper name is in media: the Turkish daily newspaper Radikal, published in Istanbul, which began in 1996 and operated for several years before ceasing publication in the early 2010s. The name has also appeared in other media and cultural contexts as a branding choice.

Related terms include radical and radicalism, which in English denote both mathematical or scientific roots and political movements, depending on context.