fundamental
A fundamental is a basic principle, rule, or essential part that serves as the foundation for a system or subject. In the plural form, fundamentals refer to the most important skills or facts that a person must learn first.
Examples
3 of 5To be a good cook, you first need to learn the fundamentals of food safety.
To be a good cook, you first need to learn the fundamentals of food safety.
The court's decision was based on the fundamentals of constitutional law.
The court's decision was based on the fundamentals of constitutional law.
We need to get back to fundamentals if we want to fix this project.
We need to get back to fundamentals if we want to fix this project.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Look at the word: FUN-DA-MENTAL. You need a MENTAL focus on the FUNdamentals to build a strong foundation.
Quick Quiz
Before you can play advanced jazz, you must master the ________ of music theory.
Correct!
The correct answer is: fundamentals
Examples
To be a good cook, you first need to learn the fundamentals of food safety.
everydayTo be a good cook, you first need to learn the fundamentals of food safety.
The court's decision was based on the fundamentals of constitutional law.
formalThe court's decision was based on the fundamentals of constitutional law.
We need to get back to fundamentals if we want to fix this project.
informalWe need to get back to fundamentals if we want to fix this project.
The course covers the fundamentals of organic chemistry in the first semester.
academicThe course covers the fundamentals of organic chemistry in the first semester.
Our business strategy focuses on market fundamentals like supply and demand.
businessOur business strategy focuses on market fundamentals like supply and demand.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
back to basics/fundamentals
returning to the simplest, most important ideas
market fundamentals
the primary factors affecting an economy
the fundamentals of the game
the core skills required for a sport
Often Confused With
A foundation is the physical base of a building or a supporting structure, while fundamentals are abstract principles or rules.
Usage Notes
When used as a noun, it is almost always used in the plural form (fundamentals). It is common in academic and professional settings to describe the starting point of learning.
Common Mistakes
Learners often forget to add the 's' when talking about the basics of a subject, saying 'learn the fundamental' instead of 'learn the fundamentals'.
Memory Tip
Look at the word: FUN-DA-MENTAL. You need a MENTAL focus on the FUNdamentals to build a strong foundation.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'fundamentum', which means 'foundation' or 'bottom'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In American sports culture, coaches often emphasize 'playing with good fundamentals' (dribbling, passing, footwork) over flashy style.
Quick Quiz
Before you can play advanced jazz, you must master the ________ of music theory.
Correct!
The correct answer is: fundamentals
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
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