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Fundamentally: meaning, definitions and examples

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fundamentally

 

[ˌfʌndəˈmɛntəli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

in a basic or essential way

Fundamentally means in a basic or essential way. It is used to emphasize the core or foundational aspect of something.

Synonyms

basically, essentially, pivotal, primarily.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fundamentally

Used to emphasize the basic or essential aspects of something, often implying profound influence or importance.

  • Fundamentally, honesty is crucial in any relationship
essentially

Used to highlight the intrinsic or inherent nature of something, indicating its most crucial characteristics.

  • The show is essentially a comedy, but it has some dramatic elements
basically

Used in casual speech to simplify or summarize an idea, often implying an explanation or clarification.

  • Basically, the movie is about a girl who discovers her magical powers
primarily

Used to indicate the main or chief purpose or reason for something, often in a broader context.

  • The committee was formed primarily to address the city's waste management issues
pivotal

Used to describe something as very important or critical in a particular context, often signifying a turning point.

  • Her research played a pivotal role in developing the new vaccine

Examples of usage

  • He fundamentally disagreed with the decision.
  • She believed that the problem was fundamentally a lack of communication.
  • The company's success was fundamentally due to its innovative approach.
  • The project failed because it was fundamentally flawed.
  • Our values are fundamentally different.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'fundamentalis', meaning 'pertaining to a foundation'.
  • It entered the English language in the late 14th century, initially used in the context of laws and principles.
  • The root 'fundament' refers to a foundation or basis upon which something stands.

Science

  • In science, discussions about the fundamental laws of nature, like gravity or thermodynamics, underpin our understanding of the universe.
  • Elementary particles in physics are considered fundamental because they cannot be broken down into smaller components.
  • The concept of fundamental traits in genetics refers to inherent characteristics that define species.

Philosophy

  • In philosophical discourse, 'fundamental' principles often guide ethical frameworks and decision-making.
  • Existentialists argue about what is fundamentally human, debating aspects like freedom and responsibility.
  • Kant's philosophy emphasizes the foundational role of reason in understanding morality.

Education

  • In teaching, understanding fundamental concepts in subjects like math or science is crucial for advanced learning.
  • Curriculums often focus on fundamental skills, such as literacy and numeracy, as building blocks for further education.
  • The term is used in discussions about core competencies, which are essential skills students must develop.

Art

  • In visual arts, techniques considered fundamentally important include composition and color theory.
  • Many artists believe understanding fundamental principles of design is essential for creating compelling art.
  • Art styles can be categorized fundamentally as either representational or abstract.

Translations

Translations of the word "fundamentally" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fundamentalmente

🇮🇳 मूल रूप से

🇩🇪 grundsätzlich

🇮🇩 pada dasarnya

🇺🇦 фундаментально

🇵🇱 fundamentalnie

🇯🇵 基本的に (きほんてきに)

🇫🇷 fondamentalement

🇪🇸 fundamentalmente

🇹🇷 temel olarak

🇰🇷 근본적으로

🇸🇦 أساسياً

🇨🇿 zásadně

🇸🇰 zásadne

🇨🇳 根本上 (gēnběn shàng)

🇸🇮 temeljno

🇮🇸 í grundvallaratriðum

🇰🇿 негізінен

🇬🇪 ფუნდამენტურად

🇦🇿 əsasən

🇲🇽 fundamentalmente

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,307 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.