Fundamental Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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fundamental

[หŒfสŒndษ™หˆmษ›nt(ษ™)l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

basic principles

Forming a necessary base or core; of central importance

Synonyms

basic, essential, primary.

Examples of usage

  • Freedom of speech is a fundamental right in a democratic society.
  • The right to education is considered a fundamental human right.
Context #2 | Noun

basic principles

A central or primary rule or principle on which something is based

Synonyms

basic, elementary, principle.

Examples of usage

  • The fundamentals of mathematics are taught in the early years of education.
  • She lacked a fundamental understanding of the subject.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Education

  • In education, mastering fundamental skills in subjects like math and reading is crucial for academic success.
  • Teachers often emphasize the fundamentals to ensure students can tackle more complicated topics in the future.

Science

  • In physics, fundamental forces are the basic interactions that govern how matter behaves, such as gravity and electromagnetism.
  • The periodic table is built on fundamental elements, serving as the basic building blocks of matter.

Philosophy

  • In philosophical discussions, fundamentals refer to the core principles that shape a belief system or worldview.
  • Great thinkers like Aristotle have focused on fundamental questions regarding existence and knowledge.

Pop Culture

  • In music theory, understanding fundamental chords is key for playing most songs on an instrument.
  • Fundamentals are often referenced in sports, where athletes focus on basic skills for better performance.

Origin of 'fundamental'

Main points about word origin

  • This word comes from the Latin 'fundamentalis', which is rooted in 'fundamentum', meaning 'foundation'.
  • The prefix 'fund-' relates to 'fundere', meaning 'to pour', indicating something that is laid down as a basis.

The word 'fundamental' originated from the Latin word 'fundamentum', meaning 'foundation'. It first appeared in the 15th century in English, derived from the French 'fondamental'. The concept of fundamental principles has been a key aspect of various fields such as philosophy, science, and mathematics.


Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,717, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.