fundamental

adjective

fun·da·men·tal | \ ˌfən-də-ˈmen-tᵊl

Definition of fundamental

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : serving as a basis supporting existence or determining essential structure or function : basic Responsibility is fundamental to democracy. The Constitution ensures our fundamental rights.

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

2a : 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 a preacher who is evangelical, Bible-teaching, and fundamental

3 : of central importance : principal fundamental purpose such fundamental events as birth, marriage, and death

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

5 : of, relating to, or produced by the lowest component of a complex vibration (see vibration sense 1)

fundamental

noun

Definition of fundamental (Entry 2 of 2)

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

2a : 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

Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Phrases Containing fundamental Learn More About fundamental

Choose the Right Synonym for fundamental

Adjective

essential, fundamental, vital, cardinal mean so important as to be indispensable. essential implies belonging to the very nature of a thing and therefore being incapable of removal without destroying the thing itself or its character. conflict is essential in drama fundamental applies to something that is a foundation without which an entire system or complex whole would collapse. fundamental principles of algebra vital suggests something that is necessary to a thing's continued existence or operation. cut off from vital supplies cardinal suggests something on which an outcome turns or depends. a cardinal rule in buying a home

Examples of fundamental in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective Data is absolutely fundamental to the ability of machines to think and learn. — Bernard Marr, Forbes, 13 June 2022 The legislation in California helped convince shareholders, and then companies, that these protections are fundamental. — Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 13 June 2022 Copying classical Chinese masterpieces was fundamental to his education, and Zhang learned to skillfully replicate the great artists of the Ming and Qing dynasties (and later became a highly-skilled forger). — CNN, 12 June 2022 In a panel conversation with Variety co-editor in chief Cynthia Littleton, Spencer revealed that engaging with and searching for the truth of a person is fundamental to how an actor portrays a character. — Wilson Chapman, Variety, 10 June 2022 This is fundamental to understanding today’s Russia because Patrushev’s conspiratorial beliefs and view of the world is the lens through which his friend Putin sees it. — Susanne Sternthal, The Conversation, 7 June 2022 For a countless number of us, Music Supervisors have been fundamental in helping us fuel dreams, build wealth, and create security for ourselves and our families. — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 6 June 2022 Being simple and being fundamental can also beat those guys that like to press up. — Richard Davenport, Arkansas Online, 2 June 2022 What could be more fundamental to the protection of life than protecting innocent children from the wanton killing enabled by the unrestricted sale of firearms? — The Salt Lake Tribune, 31 May 2022 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun While the technology may be new to some organizations, hiring the right people and assembling great teams is a business fundamental that has stood the test of time. — Daphne Kis, Forbes, 12 Apr. 2022 One fundamental that makes coaching successful is the nature of the relationship between the two people involved. — Jack Zenger, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2022 The short-yardage problems were more muscle-mass fundamental. — Dave Hyde, sun-sentinel.com, 6 Nov. 2021 Together, the advances span the fundamental to the applied. — Chad Mirkin, Scientific American, 9 Oct. 2021 The program teaches students the fundamental of electricity as well as the math and sciences needed to work on power lines. — Leada Gore | Lgore@al.com, al, 6 Apr. 2021 This has always been a timeless fundamental of marketing, but so much more evident now. — Sarah Hofstetter, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2021 Called Fleming's Left Hand Rule, this fundamental of electromagnetism states that the confluence of a magnetic field and an electric current passing through a fluid will cause the fluid to be propelled in one direction. — Abe Dane, Popular Mechanics, 14 Jan. 2021 For a company of its size, that kind of a move is less a reflection of business fundamentals,... — Laura Forman, WSJ, 26 May 2020 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fundamental.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for fundamental

Adjective

Middle English, borrowed from Late Latin fundāmentālis "serving as a foundation," from Latin fundāmentum "foundation, basis" + -ālis -al entry 1 — more at fundament

Noun

derivative of fundamental entry 1