Fundamental Meaning
/ˌfʌn.dəˈmɛn.təl/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounA basic truth, elementary concept, principle, rule, or law. An individual fundamental will often serve as a building block used to form a complex idea.
nounA collection of essential component ideas that are often grouped together to serve as the foundational basis of a complex idea.
Sentence Examples
There is a fundamental difference between your opinion and mine.
Fundamental instincts will not go away.
The fundamental principles of scientific method
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms:
CEFR Practice Quiz
Understanding basic math is ____ for solving complex problems in physics.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Quality education is considered a ____ right that should be accessible to all children around the world.
Word Origin & History
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.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"When any one offers me a compleat Catalogue of his Fundamentals, he does not unreaſonably demand me to quit mine for nothing[…]"
— 1722, John Locke, The Works of John Locke ...: With Alphabetical Tables ..., page 572:
"Personal leadership is a fundamental of successful government."
— 1928, Franklin D. Roosevelt, The Happy Warrior Alfred E. Smith, Houghton Mifflin, →OCLC, →OL, page 28:
"Seeing the British establishment struggle with the financial sector is like watching an alcoholic […]. Until 2008 there was denial over what finance had become. […] But the scandals kept coming, […]. A broad section of the political class now recognises the need for change but remains unable to see the necessity of a fundamental overhaul. Instead it offers fixes and patches."
— 2013 June 28, Joris Luyendijk, “Our banks are out of control”, in The Guardian Weekly, volume 189, number 3, page 21:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
Understanding basic math is ____ for solving complex problems in physics.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Quality education is considered a ____ right that should be accessible to all children around the world.