revolutionize

USAGE SUMMARY

"revolutionize" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe situations or processes that have been significantly transformed by something. For example, "The introduction of the internet revolutionized the way people access information."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Together these men would challenge and revolutionize the study of history in France and in the rest of the world.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Dörpfeld brought to Troy the new system and efficiency of the German classical archaeologists working in Greece, and he was able to expose the stratigraphy at Troy more clearly than before and to revolutionize Schliemann's techniques.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The aircraft quickly won over passengers with its shorter flight time and smoother ride and subsequently helped to revolutionize air travel.

Encyclopedia Britannica

July 8 , 1926Zürich, Switzerland August 24, 2004 Scottsdale, Arizona Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, (born July 8 , 1926 Zürich, Switz. died Aug. 24, 2004, Scottsdale, Ariz ., Swiss-born American psychiatrist and author who, was a pioneer in the study of death and dying whose work helped revolutionize the care of the terminally ill and helped change attitudes toward pain control and death itself.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thus, when Sony developed the CD storage disk that would eventually revolutionize computer data storage and the music industry, it was done in partnership with the Dutch firm Philips Electronics NV to ensure that an industry standard for the product was achieved from the start.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Improved methods of computation had the obvious potential to revolutionize how business is conducted, and in pursuit of these business applications new information systems were developed in the 1950s that consisted of files of records stored on magnetic tape.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Modern telecommunications systems rely on transatlantic fibre-optic cables, a technology that also promises to revolutionize the study of ocean acoustics and geologic processes below the seafloor.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the years to come, Chrysler would completely revolutionize Buick's manufacturing system, introducing assembly-line processes pioneered by Henry Ford and more than tripling production.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That he was able to revolutionize critical methods was partly a result of the rise of the newspaper and the critical review, which gave prestige and wide circulation to criticism and guaranteed its independence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Like his predecessors Jolly made use of prosaic dialogue, violent action, visual effects, and passion, preparing German audiences to appreciate tragedy and helping significantly to revolutionize German drama.

Encyclopedia Britannica

December 18 , 1856near Manchester, England August 30, 1940 Cambridge, England Sir J.J. Thomson, in full Sir Joseph John Thomson (born December 18 , 1856 Cheetham Hill, near Manchester, England died August 30, 1940, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire) English physicist who helped revolutionize the knowledge of atomic structure by his discovery of the electron (1897).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "revolutionize" to describe changes that are not just improvements, but fundamental shifts in how things are done or perceived. For instance, instead of saying 'The new software improved our workflow,' consider 'The new software revolutionized our workflow' if the change was truly transformative.

Common error

Avoid using "revolutionize" for minor improvements or incremental changes. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic. Ensure the transformation is substantial and widely recognized before using this term.

Linguistic Context

The verb "revolutionize" functions as a dynamic verb used to describe the act of causing significant and often disruptive change. According to Ludwig, it is used to indicate transformation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

35%

News & Media

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The verb "revolutionize" signifies a profound transformation, indicating a fundamental shift rather than a mere improvement. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability, emphasizing its role in describing situations or processes undergoing significant change. It is commonly used across diverse contexts such as encyclopedias, news media, and scientific publications. While it's a powerful term, it should be reserved for situations where the change is truly transformative to avoid hyperbole. Related phrases such as "radically transform" or "fundamentally alter" can offer nuanced alternatives, depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

revolutionise

Different spelling of the word "revolutionize".

radically transform

Emphasizes the depth and extent of the change, implying a fundamental shift.

fundamentally alter

Highlights the foundational nature of the change, suggesting that core aspects are affected.

completely reshape

Stresses the comprehensive nature of the change, indicating a new form or structure.

drastically overhaul

Implies a major renovation or restructuring, often to improve efficiency or effectiveness.

transform in a groundbreaking way

Highlights the innovative and pioneering aspect of the transformation.

effect a sea change

Suggests a dramatic and far-reaching shift, often in attitudes or perceptions.

usher in a new era

Focuses on the beginning of a new period or phase, implying significant advancements.

catalyze a paradigm shift

Emphasizes the role of triggering a fundamental change in thinking or approach.

spearhead a transformation

Highlights the act of leading or initiating a significant change process.

FAQs

How can I use "revolutionize" in a sentence?

Use "revolutionize" to describe a profound and fundamental shift in a particular field or process. For example, "The internet "revolutionized" communication".

What are some alternatives to "revolutionize"?

Alternatives include "radically transform", "fundamentally alter", or "completely reshape", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "revolutionize" and "improve"?

"Improve" suggests making something better, while "revolutionize" implies a complete and transformative change. If a new method makes a task easier, it improves it; if it changes the entire nature of the task, it "revolutionizes" it.

What does it mean to "revolutionize" something?

To "revolutionize" something means to cause a dramatic and fundamental change in the way that thing is done or perceived. It suggests a paradigm shift rather than a simple enhancement.