fundamentally
Fundamentally (adv) means At the most basic or essential level. Example: “The two proposals are fundamentally different.”
How to use fundamentally
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAt the core or root of something — used to point out a basic, essential truth.
Word forms
more fundamentally comparative, most fundamentally superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The two proposals are _____ different.
Etymology
From fundamental + -ly.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for fundamentally
See all rhymes for fundamentally →Frequently asked questions
What does “fundamentally” mean?
The word “fundamentally” means at the most basic or essential level. In plain terms, at the core or root of something — used to point out a basic, essential truth.
How do you use “fundamentally” in a sentence?
Here is “fundamentally” used in a sentence: “The two proposals are fundamentally different.”
What part of speech is “fundamentally”?
“Fundamentally” is an adverb.
Is “fundamentally” a common word?
“Fundamentally” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between fundamentally and basically?
Fundamentally and basically both mean "at the most essential level," but fundamentally often carries a slightly more formal or emphatic tone, especially when highlighting a core difference or principle. Basically is more casual and common in everyday speech.
How is fundamentally used to describe disagreement?
Fundamentally is often used to intensify statements about core disagreement or difference, as in "we fundamentally disagree" or "a fundamentally different approach." It signals that the difference lies at the most basic, essential level rather than in minor details.
Is fundamentally a formal word?
Fundamentally is appropriate in both formal and everyday writing, but it appears more often in academic, business, or analytical contexts where precision about core principles matters. It is not slang or informal.