fundamental
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.forming the most important or basic part of something.
adj.serving as a foundation or core basis; essential to the nature of a system or idea.
Simple“Freedom of speech is a fundamental right in many countries.”
In context“The research team identified a fundamental flaw in the original hypothesis, necessitating a complete revision of the experimental framework.”
UsageOften used to describe rights, principles, or changes.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a basic rule, fact, or idea that other things are based on.
n.a central principle or primary rule that serves as a building block for a complex system of thought.
Simple“The course covers the fundamentals of graphic design, starting with color theory.”
In context“Before attempting advanced calculus, students must demonstrate a firm grasp of algebraic fundamentals.”
UsageFrequently used in the plural form 'fundamentals' when referring to education or skills.
- 03 C2 Proficiency
n.the lowest frequency of a sound or signal.
n.the lowest frequency of a periodic waveform or the lowest partial of a complex musical tone.
Simple“The fundamental of the note was clear, even with the background noise.”
In context“The timbre of the instrument is determined by the relationship between the fundamental and its various overtones.”
UsageIn acoustics, it is often referred to as the 'fundamental frequency'.
Synonymsfundamental frequencyAntonymsovertoneharmonic
Usage fundamental human · fundamental research · fundamental aspect
From Late Latin fundamentālis, from Latin fundamentum (“foundation”), from fundō (“to lay the foundation (of something), to found”), from fundus (“bottom”), from Proto-Indo-European *bʰudʰmḗn.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.