fundamental

1 of 2

adjective

fun·da·men·tal ˌfən-də-ˈmen-tᵊl

Synonyms of fundamental next

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

Responsibility is fundamental to democracy.

The Constitution ensures our fundamental rights.

: serving as an original or generating source : primary

a discovery fundamental to modern computers

: 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

: adhering to fundamentalism

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

: of central importance : principal

fundamental purpose

such fundamental events as birth, marriage, and death

: belonging to one's innate or ingrained characteristics : deep-rooted

her fundamental good humor

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

fundamental

2 of 2

noun

: something fundamental

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

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

: the root of a chord

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

Choose the Right Synonym for fundamental

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. Noun all students at the school of music must take a course in the fundamentals of their chosen art

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Adjective

However, the fundamental question may arise: Why such an elaborate setup, when most event venues already have built-in fire alarm systems? —

Kyle Russell, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024 Ask yourself: Does this change enhance our ability to deliver on our fundamental promises to stakeholders? —

Dan Gamble, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024

Noun

In these chapters, Professor Gibson explains the fundamentals of forensic science and explains how plants can leave identifiable and incriminating trace evidence. —

Grrlscientist, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024 That’s not a concern to us, though, because Nvidia’s underlying fundamentals and long-term outlook appear to be as healthy as ever. —

Zev Fima, CNBC, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fundamental

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Noun

1617, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of fundamental was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Fundamental.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fundamental. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

fundamental

1 of 2 adjective

fun·da·men·tal ˌfən-də-ˈment-ᵊl

: being or forming a foundation : basic, essential

a discovery fundamental to modern science

our fundamental rights

: of or relating to essential structure or function : radical

fundamental change

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

: of central importance : principal

fundamental purpose

fundamentally

-ᵊl-ē

adverb

fundamental

2 of 2 noun

: something fundamental : a basic part

fundamentals of arithmetic

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

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English fundamental "serving as a base or source of support," from Latin fundamentalis "of a foundation," from fundamentum "foundation," derived from fundus "bottom, base" — related to found entry 2, fund

Medical Definition

fundamental

noun

fun·da·men·tal ˌfən-də-ˈment-ᵊl

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

Last Updated: 28 Nov 2024 - Updated example sentences

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fundamental

adjective

noun

Synonyms

Examples of fundamental in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near fundamental

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition