fundamental

¹fun·da·men·tal

adj \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

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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