Finesentence

Fundamentally Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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fundamentally

fun-da-men-tal-ly

🇺🇸 /ˌfəndəˈmɛnəɫi/ · 🇬🇧 /fˌʌndəmˈɛntəli/

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.

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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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Quick facts about “fundamentally”

Fundamentally is a 5-syllable adverb (fun-da-men-tal-ly). It is pronounced /ˌfəndəˈmɛnəɫi/ in American English and /fˌʌndəmˈɛntəli/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 1 meaning, 4 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #7,307 among the most common English words.

Did you know?

“fundamentally” in 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.

“fundamentally” in 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.

“fundamentally” in 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.

“fundamentally” in 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.

Origin of 'fundamentally'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'fundamentally' originated from the Latin word 'fundamentum', meaning 'foundation'. It first appeared in the English language in the mid-16th century. Over the centuries, 'fundamentally' has been widely used in various contexts to emphasize the core or essential aspect of something.

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.