Word
fundamentally
Phoneticsfun·da·men·tal·ly, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌfəndəˈmɛnəɫi/
UK/fˌʌndəmˈɛntəli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. at the most basic or important level. You use this to talk about the core truth of something, even if it looks different on the outside.
adv. relating to the most basic or essential parts of something; in a way that affects the core nature of a person, thing, or idea.
Examples
“The two plans are fundamentally the same.”
“While the new software looks different, the way it processes data remains fundamentally unchanged.”
“The philosopher argued that despite cultural differences, all human societies are fundamentally driven by the same basic needs for security and social connection.”
Examples
simple
“The two plans are fundamentally the same.”
contextual
“While the new software looks different, the way it processes data remains fundamentally unchanged.”
complex
“The philosopher argued that despite cultural differences, all human societies are fundamentally driven by the same basic needs for security and social connection.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “fundamentally” in context.
Adjective
01. fundamentally different
“Although they are twins, their personalities are fundamentally different.”
adv + adj
02. fundamentally important
“Good communication is fundamentally important for a successful marriage.”
adv + adj
Usage
Typically placed before the adjective or verb it modifies to emphasize a core characteristic.
Real-World Examples
“Perhaps the biggest lesson from our year-long investigation was this: people still fundamentally care about their High Streets.” “Artificial intelligence has been used to develop a "fundamentally new" type of vaccine that could protect against large swathes of viruses and prevent pandemics, say researchers.” Etymology
From fundamental + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/fundamentally