fundamental

CEFRB2

/ˌfʌn.dəˈmɛn.təl/

adjective · noun

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

  1. 01

    adjective

    Basic and important to the nature of something.

  2. 02

    adjective

    Extra detail

    A collection of essential component ideas that are often grouped together to serve as the foundational basis of a complex idea.

Examples

  • There is a fundamental difference between your opinion and mine.

  • Fundamental instincts will not go away.

At a glance

Sits at B2 on the CEFR scale

Senses
5
Parts of speech
2
Citations
3
Synonyms
2

Also pronounced

  • [fɐn.dəˈmen.tɫ̩]
  • [fʌn.dəˈmɛn.tɫ̩]

Deep Dive

adjective

Extra meaning

  1. The lowest frequency of a periodic waveform.

noun

Extra meanings

  1. A basic truth, elementary concept, principle, rule, or law. An individual fundamental will often serve as a building block used to form a complex idea.

  2. The lowest partial of a complex tone.

More examples

In context

  • A need for belonging seems fundamental to humans.

  • The fundamental principles of scientific method

  • a fundamental truth; a fundamental axiom; a fundamental element; fundamental principle; fundamental law

Synonyms

Quick test

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Nearby

Origin

adjective

From Late Latin fundamentālis, from Latin fundamentum (“foundation”), from fundō (“to lay the foundation (of something), to found”), from fundus (“bottom”), from Proto-Indo-European *bʰudʰmḗn.