Fundamental

Pronunciation

Origin

From Late Latin fundamentalis (""), from Latin fundamentum ("foundation"), from fundare ("to lay the foundation (of something), to found"), from fundus ("bottom")

Full definition of fundamental

Noun

1. A leading or primary principle, rule, law, or article, which serves as the groundwork of a system; essential part, as, the fundamentals of linear algebra.

Adjective

1. Pertaining to the foundation or basis; serving for the foundation. Hence: Essential, as an element, principle, or law; important; original; elementary.
   a fundamental truth;   a fundamental axiom
   A need for belonging seems fundamental to humans.
• 2013-06-28, Joris Luyendijk, Our banks are out of control, Seeing the British establishment struggle with the financial sector is like watching an alcoholic ….  Until 2008 there was denial over what finance had become. …  But the scandals kept coming, …. A broad section of the political class now recognises the need for change but remains unable to see the necessity of a fundamental overhaul. Instead it offers fixes and patches.

Derived terms

• fundamentalism
• fundamentalist
• fundamentality
• fundamentalness
• fundamental analysis

Related terms

• fundament

Synonyms