fundamental

The word “fundamental” means forming the base or foundation of something; essential. In plain terms, something basic and essential — the foundation everything else is built on.

“Fundamental” is pronounced fuhn-duh-MEHN-tuhl (/ˌfʌn.dəˈmɛn.təl/ in IPA).

Here is “fundamental” used in a sentence: “Trust is fundamental to any relationship.”

Words with a similar meaning to “fundamental” include groundlaying.

Depending on how it is used, “fundamental” can be an adjective and a noun.

The word “fundamental” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin fundamentalis, from Latin fundamentum, "foundation," from fundus, "bottom.".

“Fundamental” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

“Fundamental” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: forming the base or foundation of something; essential.

Both refer to something essential, but 'fundamental' stresses that something forms the base on which everything else depends, while 'basic' can simply mean simple or introductory. A fundamental principle is indispensable; a basic skill may just be elementary.

'Fundamental' means forming the foundation of something, while 'essential' means absolutely necessary. They often overlap, but 'fundamental' points to a base or starting point, whereas 'essential' points to what cannot be left out.

Use 'fundamental' when something is not just important but foundational, something everything else is built on. 'Important' describes anything of value, while 'fundamental' implies that removing it would make the whole structure fail.

As a noun, especially in the plural 'fundamentals,' the word means the basic principles or core ideas of a subject, as in 'the fundamentals of grammar.' These are the building-block concepts everything else rests on.