fundamental
Other forms: fundamentals
When asked what the fundamental, or essential, principles of life are, a teenager might reply, "Breathe. Be a good friend. Eat chocolate. Get gas money."
Fundamental has its roots in the Latin word fundamentum, which means "foundation." So if something is fundamental, it is a key point or underlying issue — the foundation, if you will — that the thing is built upon. Teachers argue that math fundamentals include memorizing the times tables and understanding long division. Many people would also argue that math fundamentals should include knowing how to use a calculator and knowing where the calculator's extra batteries are kept.
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serving as an essential component
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being or involving basic facts or principles“the fundamental laws of the universe”“a fundamental incompatibility between them”
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synonyms:
foundational, rudimentary, underlying
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basic
pertaining to or constituting a base or basis
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basic
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far-reaching and thoroughgoing in effect especially on the nature of something“the fundamental revolution in human values that has occurred”“the book underwent fundamental changes”“committed the fundamental error of confusing spending with extravagance”
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synonyms:
profound
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important, significant
important in effect or meaning
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important, significant
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any factor that could be considered important to the understanding of a particular business“fundamentals include a company's growth, revenues, earnings, management, and capital structure”
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type of:
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factor
anything that contributes causally to a result
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factor
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the lowest tone of a harmonic series
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synonyms:
first harmonic, fundamental frequency
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type of:
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harmonic
a tone that is a component of a complex sound
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harmonic
/ˌˈfʌndəˌˈmɛntl/
/fəndəˈmɛntəl/
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Vocabulary lists containing fundamental
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 10, 1948 to reflect the commitment of the international community to prevent any repeat of the atrocities of World War II. Drafted by the Commission on Human Rights, which consisted of 18 members from various political, cultural, and religious backgrounds, it recognizes the value and rights of every individual everywhere. In addition to influencing many subsequent national constitutions, laws, and treaties, it serves as a tool to apply moral pressure on abusive governments. E-text available here.
Born on October 2, 1869, Mahatma Gandhi was an activist and leader who changed the course of history by helping to lead India to independence. These words are from the speech Gandhi's delivered on August 8, 1942 urging a non-violent fight against British colonial rule. The "Quit India" speech is one of Gandhi's most famous public addresses.
