fundamental

7 definitions • 15 examples

forming the base, from which everything else develops:

fundamental change We need to make fundamental changes to the way in which we treat our environment.

fundamental difference It's one of the fundamental differences between men and women.

fundamental principle The school is based on the fundamental principle that all children should reach their full potential.

of fundamental importance Diversity is of fundamental importance to all ecosystems and all economies.

more important than anything else:

fundamental to Some understanding of grammar is fundamental to learning a language.

In a fundamental chord (= a group of notes played together), the basic note that identifies the chord (= tells you which one it is) is its lowest note:

The value of each chord is determined by its relationship to one, unchangeable fundamental chord.

The fall of a semitone is accompanied by the fundamental chord, held for two bars.

the basic note of a chord (= a group of notes played together), which identifies it (= tells you which chord it is):

There is a feeling that chords are built up from, or reach down towards, a fundamental.

The harmonic series derived from a given note is a set tone consisting of its fundamental tone and upper harmonic tones.

Harmonics may be sounded independently of the fundamental note.

being the most basic or most important thing on which other things depend:

fundamental beliefs/principles

We need to make fundamental changes in the way we treat our environment.

used to describe the basic causes of changes in the value of shares, etc. that relate to the condition of companies and the economy:

Fundamental factors will have the most impact on currency.

very important and basic:

fundamental in/to sth The multilateral trading system has been fundamental in economic success.

There is no need to change anything fundamental about the way the business works.