Dictionary
1fundamental
adjective fun·da·men·tal \ˌfən-də-ˈmen-təl\
: forming or relating to the most important part of something
: of or relating to the basic structure or function of something
Full Definition of FUNDAMENTAL
1
2
a : of or relating to essential structure, function, or facts : radical <fundamental change>; also : of or dealing with general principles rather than practical application <fundamental science> b : adhering to fundamentalism
3
: of, relating to, or produced by the lowest component of a complex vibration
4
: of central importance : principal <fundamental purpose>
5
: belonging to one's innate or ingrained characteristics : deep-rooted <her fundamental good humor>
— fun·da·men·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb
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First Known Use of FUNDAMENTAL
15th century
Related to FUNDAMENTAL
- Synonyms
- abecedarian, basal, basic, beginning, elemental, essential, elementary, introductory, meat-and-potatoes, rudimental, rudimentary, underlying
- Antonyms
- advanced
Synonym Discussion of FUNDAMENTAL
essential, fundamental, vital, cardinal mean so important as to be indispensable. essential implies belonging to the very nature of a thing and therefore being incapable of removal without destroying the thing itself or its character <conflict is essential in drama>. fundamental applies to something that is a foundation without which an entire system or complex whole would collapse <fundamental principles of algebra>. vital suggests something that is necessary to a thing's continued existence or operation <cut off from vital supplies>. cardinal suggests something on which an outcome turns or depends <a cardinal rule in buying a home>.
Rhymes with FUNDAMENTAL
accidental, adjustmental, apartmental, biparental, compartmental, complemental, condimental, continental, departmental, detrimental, documental, excremental, elemental, firmamental, governmental, grandparental, incidental, incremental, instrumental, managemental, monumental, nonjudgmental, occidental, oriental, ornamental, regimental, rudimental, sacramental, sentimental, supplemental, temperamental, transcendental
2fundamental
noun
: one of the basic and important parts of something : a fundamental part
Full Definition of FUNDAMENTAL
1
: something fundamental; especially : one of the minimum constituents without which a thing or a system would not be what it is
2
a : the principal musical tone produced by vibration (as of a string or column of air) on which a series of higher harmonics is based b : the root of a chord
3
: the harmonic component of a complex wave that has the lowest frequency and commonly the greatest amplitude
See fundamental defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of FUNDAMENTAL
1637
Rhymes with FUNDAMENTAL
FUNDAMENTALLY Defined for Kids
1fundamental
adjective fun·da·men·tal \ˌfən-də-ˈmen-təl\
Definition of FUNDAMENTAL for Kids
2fundamental
noun
Definition of FUNDAMENTAL for Kids
: a basic part <the fundamentals of arithmetic>
Medical Dictionary
fundamental
noun fun·da·men·tal \ˌfən-də-ˈment-əl\
Medical Definition of FUNDAMENTAL
: the principal musical tone produced by vibration (as of a string or column of air) on which a series of higher overtones is based
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