Words / B2

fund-uh-MENTL/ˌfʌndəˈmentl/

Fundamental means forming the base, and therefore essential: a fundamental rule, fundamental change. Basic can sound simple or even childish; fundamental sounds serious and structural. Essential is close for “you cannot do without it.” Fundamentally is the adverb (fundamentally different). In speech, basic or crucial often replaces it.

Meaning

Forming the base of something; very important and basic.

Examples

• “A fundamental rule is to be honest in exams.”
• “There is a fundamental difference between speed and haste.”
• “A fundamental error in the design caused the leak.”

Good to know

fundamental change / difference / rule. More serious than basic. Adverb: fundamentally.

Near in meaning

basic

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