revolutionize

IPA/ˌrevəˈluːʃənaɪz/
KK[rˌɛvəlˈuʃənˌaɪz]IPA/ˌrevəˈluːʃənaɪz/

revolutionize — verb

  • revolutionizepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • revolutionizeshe / she / it
  • revolutionizedpast simple
  • revolutionizing-ing form

1. to introduce a drastic improvement in the way something works or is done, usuall

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

to introduce a drastic improvement in the way something works or is done, usually by applying a new technology, method, or idea that makes the old way seem outdated

例句

Smartphones revolutionized daily communication by letting people video-call from almost anywhere.

collocation: revolutionize + communication / industry / technology

Hyun's software revolutionized hospital record-keeping, cutting patient wait times from hours to minutes.

collocation: revolutionize + record-keeping / healthcare

同義詞
  • transform

    broader — can be positive or neutral change; 'revolutionize' always implies dramatic improvement

  • overhaul

    suggests repair and reorganization of an existing system rather than introducing something radically new

  • upend

    informal; emphasizes disruption to established norms rather than improvement

反義詞
  • preserve

    to keep things as they are, the opposite of radical change

文法句型

revolutionize + noun phrase

用法筆記

The object of this sense is usually an industry, field of activity, or system — not a single object. Typical objects include "communication", "healthcare", "transportation", "education", "the way something is done". The subject is normally a technology, invention, or new approach.

常見錯誤

❌The new software revolutionized one small report.
✅The new software revolutionized the entire reporting system across the company.
💡'revolutionize' requires a system-wide or fundamental transformation, not a single item.

2. to overthrow a government or ruling system and replace it with a new one through

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

to overthrow a government or ruling system and replace it with a new one through a political revolution, which may involve armed conflict or mass civil resistance

例句

In 1789, French citizens revolted and revolutionized their monarchy by establishing a republic.

historical context: the French Revolution

The rebel army marched on the capital, determined to revolutionize the regime or die trying.

同義詞
  • overthrow

    more common and neutral; focuses on the act of removing power rather than installing a new system

  • topple

    slightly informal; emphasizes the regime collapsing, often used in news headlines

  • depose

    used only for removing a specific leader or ruler, not a whole system

文法句型

revolutionize + noun phrase (government / regime / system)

用法筆記

This sense is much less common in everyday English than sense 1. It appears mostly in historical analysis, political science writing, or discussion of revolutionary movements. 'Overthrow' or 'topple' are more frequent alternatives for live news reporting.