Cardinally: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Latin 'cardinalis,' meaning 'pertaining to a hinge,' which indicates something fundamental or necessary.
• In language, the term has evolved to refer to the main or primary aspects of a concept, much like the main point in a story.
• It is often used in academic and philosophical discussions to denote primary principles or ideas.

Mathematics

• In mathematics, cardinality refers to the number of elements in a set, showing the idea of 'cardinal' as essential to understanding groups of objects.
• The concept distinguishes between infinite sets, such as the size of natural numbers and real numbers, emphasizing varying degrees of importance.
• Understanding cardinal numbers is key in learning basic arithmetic, which kids do when they learn to count.

Philosophy

• In ethical philosophy, cardinal virtues are considered fundamental traits necessary for good moral character, such as courage and wisdom.
• Cardinally can describe the core principles that underlie various moral frameworks, highlighting what is truly essential in behavior.
• Discussions about cardinal truths often explore the fundamental beliefs that guide human actions and societal norms.

Literature

• Authors often highlight cardinal themes in their works to illustrate the central messages, such as love, loss, and redemption.
• Cardinal narratives in storytelling focus on essential plot points that drive the story forward and shape character development.
• In poetry, cardinal words or phrases create powerful imagery and evoke crucial emotions that resonate with readers.

Science

• In biology, cardinal behaviors are vital instincts or actions necessary for survival, like mating or foraging for food.
• Cardinal directions (north, south, east, west) are fundamental for navigation and understanding geography, indicating essential spatial awareness.
• Certain cardinal rules in experiments ensure validity and reliability, highlighting crucial practices that scientists must follow.

At position #41,643, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.

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