fundamental

¹fun·da·men·tal

adjective \ˌfən-də-ˈmen-t^əl\

Definition of FUNDAMENTAL

1

a : serving as an original or generating source : primary <a discovery fundamental to modern computers>

b : serving as a basis supporting existence or determining essential structure or function : basic

2

a : of or relating to essential structure, function, or facts : radical <fundamental change>; also : of or dealing with general principles rather than practical application <fundamental science>

b : adhering to fundamentalism

3

: of, relating to, or produced by the lowest component of a complex vibration

4

: of central importance : principal <fundamental purpose>

5

: belonging to one's innate or ingrained characteristics : deep-rooted <her fundamental good humor>

— fun·da·men·tal·ly \-t^əl-ē\ adverb

Examples of FUNDAMENTAL

1. The Constitution ensures our fundamental rights.
2. There's a fundamental difference between these two political parties.
3. These ideas are of fundamental importance.
4. The revolution brought about a fundamental change in the country.
5. We need to make some fundamental changes in the way we do business.
6. We need to address these problems on a more fundamental level.

First Known Use of FUNDAMENTAL

15th century

Related to FUNDAMENTAL

Synonyms

abecedarian, basal, basic, beginning, elemental, essential, elementary, introductory, meat-and-potatoes, rudimental, rudimentary, underlying

Antonyms

advanced

Related Words

primal, primary, prime, simple; crude, primeval, primitive, primordial, rude, uncomplicated; preliminary, preparatory; crucial, important, key

Near Antonyms

complex, sophisticated; complicated, convoluted, detailed, elaborate, extensive, intricate; developed, evolved, high, higher, refined

See Synonym Discussion at essential

Rhymes with FUNDAMENTAL

accidental, adjustmental, apartmental, biparental, compartmental, complemental, condimental, continental, departmental, detrimental, documental, excremental, elemental, firmamental, governmental, grandparental, incidental, incremental, instrumental, managemental, monumental, nonjudgmental, occidental, oriental, ornamental, regimental, rudimental, sacramental, sentimental, supplemental, temperamental, transcendental

²fundamental

noun

Definition of FUNDAMENTAL

1

: something fundamental; especially : one of the minimum constituents without which a thing or a system would not be what it is

2

a : the principal musical tone produced by vibration (as of a string or column of air) on which a series of higher harmonics is based

b : the root of a chord

3

: the harmonic component of a complex wave that has the lowest frequency and commonly the greatest amplitude

First Known Use of FUNDAMENTAL

1637

Rhymes with FUNDAMENTAL

accidental, continental, detrimental, elemental, incidental, instrumental, ornamental, sacramental, supplemental

fun·da·men·tal

noun \ˌfən-də-ˈment-^əl\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of FUNDAMENTAL

: the principal musical tone produced by vibration (as of a string or column of air) on which a series of higher overtones is based