fundamental applies to something that is a foundation without which an entire system or complex whole would collapse. vital suggests something that is necessary to a thing's continued existence or operation. cardinal suggests something on which an outcome turns or depends. Adjective The Constitution ensures our fundamental rights.
FUNDAMENTAL definition: serving as, or being an essential part of, a foundation or basis; basic; underlying. See examples of fundamental used in a sentence.
Bedrock is literally a hard, solid layer of rock underlying the upper strata of soil or other rock. Thus, by extension, it is any foundation or basis. Used literally as early as 1850 in Nelson Kingsley’s Diary, the phrase appeared in its figurative sense by 1869 in Our New West by Samuel Bowles.
When asked what the fundamental, or essential, principles of life are, a teenager might reply, "Breathe. Be a good friend. Eat chocolate. Get gas money." Fundamental has its roots in the Latin word fundamentum, which means "foundation."
One way to enable speed is by distilling complex decisions down to the fundamentals, framing them in simple terms and committing to a decision quickly.
Some common synonyms of fundamental are cardinal, essential, and vital. While all these words mean "so important as to be indispensable," fundamental applies to something that is a foundation without which an entire system or complex whole would collapse. When might cardinal be a better fit than fundamental?
