1
Core quality
Basic, essential, or forming a necessary foundation on which something depends.
Example
Trust is fundamental to the agreement.
fundamental
/ˌfʌndəˈmentəl/ · fun-duh-MEN-tuladjective
Basic, essential, or forming a necessary foundation on which something depends.
Use fundamental to express this relationship precisely: basic, essential, or forming a necessary foundation on which something depends.
What fundamental Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Attributive or predicative use
Use this adjective before a suitable noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem.
Example
The revision addresses a fundamental flaw.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact descriptive quality matters; a related word may overlap without conveying the same trait.
Example
Several details changed, but the fundamental method remained.
Use fundamental Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
Trust is fundamental to the agreement.
The revision addresses a fundamental flaw.
Several details changed, but the fundamental method remained.
Precision Matters
Fundamental overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
fundamental
vs.Means basic, essential, or forming a necessary foundation on which something depends.
peripheral
Means situated at the edge or secondary to the main issue.
fundamental
vs.Means basic, essential, or forming a necessary foundation on which something depends.
theoretical
Means based on ideas, principles, or models rather than direct observation or practical application.
fundamental
vs.Means basic, essential, or forming a necessary foundation on which something depends.
concomitant
Means naturally accompanying, associated with, or occurring alongside something else.
fundamental
vs.Means basic, essential, or forming a necessary foundation on which something depends.
profound
Means deep, insightful, or intense.
Test fundamental in Context
It is an essential foundation for the entire study.
1
Reliable measurement is ___ to the study; without it, none of the conclusions can stand.