fundamental
adjective
us
/ˌfʌn.dəˈmen.t̬əl/ uk
/ˌfʌn.dəˈmen.təl/fundamental adjective (BASIC)
fundamental change We need to make fundamental changes to the way in which we treat our environment.
fundamental difference It's one of the fundamental differences between men and women.
fundamental principle The school is based on the fundamental principle that all children should reach their full potential.
of fundamental importance Diversity is of fundamental importance to all ecosystems and all economies.
Synonyms
foundational formal
- basicI just need some basic information.
- elementaryI took Elementary Art History at the local community college.
- fundamentalOne of the most fundamental principles of the rule of law is that one person cannot be punished for the actions of another.
- rudimentaryThey have only the most rudimentary grasp of the language.
- essentialWe have been able to determine the essential nature of a healthy diet.
- underlyingThe underlying idea is that having freedom is valuable.
fundamental to Some understanding of grammar is fundamental to learning a language.
- necessaryDo you have the necessary skills for the job?
- needDoes she have the skills needed for that kind of work?
- requireWill you require a wake-up call in the morning?
- mustThe meat must be cooked thoroughly.
- essentialClean water is essential for a society's health.
- fundamentalSome understanding of grammar is fundamental to learning a language.
- A fair justice system is a fundamental part of a civilized society.
- Peaceful demonstrations that do not cause a public nuisance are a fundamental right in any truly democratic country.
- He'd like to see a fundamental reappraisal of the way unions operate.
- Trial by jury is a fundamental right.
- The new management will make fundamental changes.
fundamental adjective (IN MUSIC)
music
specialized
The value of each chord is determined by its relationship to one, unchangeable fundamental chord.
fundamental
noun [ C ]
music
specialized us/ˌfʌn.dəˈmen.t̬əl/ uk/ˌfʌn.dəˈmen.təl/ (also fundamental note, fundamental tone)- There will be inevitable differences of intonation between notes produced as a first overtone, second overtone, or as a fundamental.
- The musical tones that we commonly hear are constituted of a number of tones - the fundamental and its overtones.
