What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fanatic
Example
He's a football fanatic and never misses a game. [fanatic: noun]
Example
She's so fanatic about her diet that she won't eat anything that's not on her approved list. [fanatic: adjective]
radical
Example
The company needs to make some radical changes if it wants to stay competitive. [radical: adjective]
Example
He's a political radical who believes in overthrowing the government. [radical: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fanatic is more commonly used than radical in everyday language, as it can be applied to a wider range of contexts. Radical is more commonly used in political or social contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fanatic and radical?
Both fanatic and radical can be used in formal and informal contexts, but radical is often associated with more serious or academic discussions.