fundamental principle
مبدأ أساسي
Use this phrase to describe a non-negotiable, core rule that supports a larger system or belief.
In 15 Sekunden
- The most basic and important rule of a system.
- A foundational truth that does not change over time.
- Used to describe essential values in life or work.
Bedeutung
A fundamental principle is a core rule or a basic truth that everything else is built on. It is the most important part of a system or belief that does not change.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6In a job interview
Transparency is a fundamental principle of my leadership style.
الشفافية هي مبدأ أساسي في أسلوبي القيادي.
Explaining a scientific concept
Gravity is a fundamental principle of physics.
الجاذبية هي مبدأ أساسي في الفيزياء.
Talking about a relationship
Trust is the fundamental principle that keeps us together.
الثقة هي المبدأ الأساسي الذي يبقينا معاً.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The phrase is deeply rooted in Enlightenment-era philosophy and the scientific method, emphasizing that complex systems can be understood through simple, unchanging laws. In modern American business culture, 'returning to fundamental principles' is a popular way to describe simplifying a failing strategy.
The 'Foundation' Trick
If you can replace the word with 'foundation,' then 'fundamental principle' is likely the perfect phrase to use.
Don't Overuse It
If you call every small rule a 'fundamental principle,' you will sound like you are trying too hard to be smart. Save it for the big stuff!
In 15 Sekunden
- The most basic and important rule of a system.
- A foundational truth that does not change over time.
- Used to describe essential values in life or work.
What It Means
Think of a fundamental principle as the foundation of a house. If the foundation is weak, the whole building falls down. In English, we use this to describe the most basic, essential rules of life, science, or even a friendship. It is the 'must-have' truth that makes everything else work. It is not just a small tip; it is the big boss of rules.
How To Use It
You usually use this phrase when you want to sound serious or clear. You can say, 'Honesty is a fundamental principle of our team.' It sounds much stronger than just saying 'Honesty is important.' You can use it to explain why you are doing something. Use it when you are talking about big ideas like justice, physics, or even your personal diet. It helps people understand that you are talking about something that cannot be negotiated.
When To Use It
Use it in a meeting when discussing company values. Use it when explaining a complex science topic to a friend. It is great for deep late-night conversations about life. You can also use it when you are being a bit dramatic about your own habits. For example, 'Never skipping dessert is my fundamental principle.' It adds a nice weight to your words.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for tiny, unimportant things. If you are talking about how to tie your shoes, it is just a 'step,' not a fundamental principle. Avoid it in very casual slang-heavy chats with teenagers. They might think you sound like a textbook. Also, do not use it if the rule changes every week. This phrase is for things that are permanent and solid.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from a mix of Latin and old philosophy. In Western culture, we love to break things down into 'first principles.' This means finding the simplest truth. It is very common in law and science. It reflects a culture that values logic and structured thinking. It suggests that if you understand the base, you understand the whole world.
Common Variations
You might hear people say basic principle or core principle. Basic is a bit more casual. Core feels very modern and corporate. You might also hear first principles, which is a favorite phrase of tech CEOs like Elon Musk. If someone says 'the fundamentals,' they are talking about the basic skills, like dribbling in basketball.
Nutzungshinweise
This is a high-level collocation. It is most at home in formal writing, speeches, and professional environments. Using it correctly shows a high command of English vocabulary.
The 'Foundation' Trick
If you can replace the word with 'foundation,' then 'fundamental principle' is likely the perfect phrase to use.
Don't Overuse It
If you call every small rule a 'fundamental principle,' you will sound like you are trying too hard to be smart. Save it for the big stuff!
Silicon Valley Favorite
Tech innovators love the phrase 'First Principles Thinking.' It means breaking a problem down to its fundamental principles to find a new solution.
Beispiele
6Transparency is a fundamental principle of my leadership style.
الشفافية هي مبدأ أساسي في أسلوبي القيادي.
Shows the speaker has strong, unshakeable professional values.
Gravity is a fundamental principle of physics.
الجاذبية هي مبدأ أساسي في الفيزياء.
Used here to describe a law of nature.
Trust is the fundamental principle that keeps us together.
الثقة هي المبدأ الأساسي الذي يبقينا معاً.
Adds emotional weight to the importance of trust.
The fundamental principle of my kitchen is: more butter, more better.
المبدأ الأساسي في مطبخي هو: زبدة أكثر، طعم أفضل.
A playful way to use a formal phrase for a silly rule.
Freedom of speech is a fundamental principle of democracy.
حرية التعبير هي مبدأ أساسي في الديمقراطية.
Standard use in political or social discussions.
Just remember the fundamental principle: treat others how you want to be treated.
تذكر فقط المبدأ الأساسي: عامل الآخرين كما تحب أن يعاملوك.
Friendly but firm advice using a 'golden rule'.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the best word to complete the sentence about a company's rules.
The ___ principle of our customer service is that the client always comes first.
We use 'fundamental' because putting the customer first is a core, unchanging rule for the company.
Which phrase fits best in a serious discussion about law?
Fairness is a ___ of our legal system.
Legal systems are built on 'fundamental principles' rather than tips or ideas.
🎉 Ergebnis: /2
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Formality Scale
Using 'basic rule' with friends.
It's a basic rule.
General advice or teaching.
This is a core principle.
Legal, scientific, or professional contexts.
This is a fundamental principle.
Where to use 'Fundamental Principle'
Science Class
Laws of motion.
Business Meeting
Company ethics.
Political Debate
Constitutional rights.
Personal Philosophy
Your 'code' of honor.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNot exactly. A rule can be small, like no shoes in the house, but a fundamental principle is a deep truth that rules are based on.
You can, but usually only if you are being funny or dramatic. For example, The fundamental principle of this pizza is more cheese.
No, you can have many fundamental principles. For example, The fundamental principles of design include balance and contrast.
Basic can sometimes mean simple or low-quality. Fundamental always sounds important and high-level.
Yes! Coaches often talk about the fundamentals, which are the most important basic skills of the game.
It is a bit formal, but in a professional or serious setting, it sounds very clear and authoritative.
You could, but fundamental principle is a much more common collocation in English.
Yes, religions often have fundamental principles or dogmas that followers must believe.
It is fun-da-MEN-tal. The stress is on the third syllable.
People sometimes say fundamental foundation, which is redundant. Just use fundamental principle or foundation.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Core value
A central belief that guides a person or organization.
Ground rule
A basic rule for a specific situation or game.
First principles
The most basic propositions that cannot be deduced from any other.
Bedrock
The solid basis or foundation of something.
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