Fundamentally
Academic discourse marker used to connect ideas
Use `fundamentally` to strip away distractions and highlight the most important, underlying truth of any topic.
15秒了解
- Points to the most basic, core truth of a situation.
- Used to simplify complex ideas in professional or serious settings.
- Adds authority and weight to your primary argument or observation.
意思
This word describes the most basic, core truth of a situation. It is like looking at the foundation of a building instead of just the paint on the walls.
关键例句
3 / 6In a business strategy meeting
Fundamentally, our company exists to solve customer problems, not just sell products.
At its core, our company exists to solve customer problems.
Discussing a relationship issue
I think we are fundamentally different people with different goals.
Explaining a scientific concept
Fundamentally, gravity is the force that keeps our feet on the ground.
文化背景
The word stems from the Latin 'fundamentum', meaning foundation. In English-speaking academic and business cultures, being able to identify 'fundamental' truths is seen as a sign of high intelligence and leadership. It is often used by politicians and CEOs to simplify complex social or economic issues into a single, digestible point.
The 'Start' Rule
If you aren't sure where to put it, place it at the very beginning of your sentence followed by a comma. It sounds most natural there.
Don't Overuse It
If you say 'fundamentally' five times in one meeting, people might think you are trying too hard to sound smart. Use it once for maximum impact.
15秒了解
- Points to the most basic, core truth of a situation.
- Used to simplify complex ideas in professional or serious settings.
- Adds authority and weight to your primary argument or observation.
What It Means
Think about an onion. You peel back many layers to find the center. Fundamentally is that center. It describes the root cause or the primary nature of something. When you use it, you are ignoring small details. You are focusing on what truly matters. It is a powerful way to simplify complex ideas. It tells your listener, "Forget the noise, look at this."
How To Use It
You usually place it at the start of a sentence. This sets the stage for a big statement. You can also put it before an adjective. For example, you might say a plan is fundamentally sound. This means the core idea is good, even if details are messy. It acts like a highlighter for your most important point. It adds a sense of authority to your voice. Use it when you want to sound certain and analytical.
When To Use It
This word shines in serious discussions. Use it during a job interview to explain your work philosophy. It works well in academic essays to connect deep theories. You can use it with friends during deep, late-night talks. It helps when you need to resolve a long argument. It brings the focus back to the main issue. It is perfect for professional presentations or feedback sessions. It shows you can see the big picture clearly.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for very small, trivial things. Saying "Fundamentally, I want a sandwich" sounds quite ridiculous. It is too heavy for casual, everyday small talk. Avoid it if you are not 100% sure about your point. It sounds very definitive, so being wrong makes you look silly. Do not use it repeatedly in one conversation. It can start to sound pretentious or annoying. Keep it as your "secret weapon" for big moments.
Cultural Background
English speakers value logic and "getting to the point." This word reflects the Western tradition of reductionism. This means breaking complex things into simple parts to understand them. It became very popular in scientific and legal circles first. Now, it is a staple of corporate and academic life. It suggests that the speaker has done deep thinking. It implies a search for universal truths rather than temporary feelings.
Common Variations
You can use essentially for a very similar feel. Basically is the more casual version for daily life. If you want to sound more poetic, try at its core. In a business meeting, you might hear at the end of the day. Primarily is another cousin, though it focuses more on order. All of these help you point to the most important thing.
使用说明
This is a high-level C1 word. It carries a heavy 'academic' or 'intellectual' register. Use it when you want to signal that you are moving past surface-level observations to a deeper analysis.
The 'Start' Rule
If you aren't sure where to put it, place it at the very beginning of your sentence followed by a comma. It sounds most natural there.
Don't Overuse It
If you say 'fundamentally' five times in one meeting, people might think you are trying too hard to sound smart. Use it once for maximum impact.
The 'Basically' Trap
In the US, 'basically' is often used as a filler word like 'um'. Switching to 'fundamentally' instantly makes you sound more educated and prepared.
例句
6Fundamentally, our company exists to solve customer problems, not just sell products.
At its core, our company exists to solve customer problems.
Refocuses the team on the primary mission.
I think we are fundamentally different people with different goals.
Explains that the problem is deep, not just a surface argument.
Fundamentally, gravity is the force that keeps our feet on the ground.
Simplifies a complex physical law for a listener.
The acting was okay, but the story was fundamentally broken.
Uses the word to show the movie's main problem couldn't be fixed.
Fundamentally, my dog believes he is a 50-pound lap cat.
Uses formal language for a silly situation to create humor.
Your research is fundamentally strong, but the presentation needs more color.
Provides a compliment on the core work while suggesting minor changes.
自我测试
Choose the best word to show that the core of the problem is being discussed.
The two political parties agree on small details, but they are ___ opposed on tax policy.
`Fundamentally` shows that their disagreement is at the deepest level possible.
Which sentence uses the word correctly in a professional context?
___, we need to reduce costs to stay in business.
Starting the sentence with `Fundamentally` signals that you are stating the most important survival factor for the company.
🎉 得分： /2
视觉学习工具
Formality of 'Core Truth' Words
Used with friends and family for simple explanations.
Basically, I'm just tired.
Neutral/Professional. Good for most work situations.
It is essentially a new design.
High-level academic or serious professional discourse.
The system is fundamentally flawed.
Where to use 'Fundamentally'
Academic Essay
Analyzing the root cause of a war.
Boardroom
Defining the company's core values.
Deep Debate
Arguing about human nature.
Tech Review
Explaining why a new app works well.
常见问题
10 个问题They are very close, but fundamentally is much more formal. Basically is for daily life, while fundamentally is for serious or academic topics.
Yes, you can say someone is fundamentally kind. This means that at their core, they are a good person, even if they have bad days.
Absolutely. It shows you are thinking about the root of a project or problem, which bosses usually appreciate.
It comes from the word 'foundation.' Just like a house needs a foundation to stand, an idea needs a fundamental truth.
Yes, it is often used to describe problems, such as saying a logic is fundamentally flawed or a plan is fundamentally broken.
It is common in speeches, news reports, and professional meetings, but less common in casual chats at a bar.
If you start a sentence with it, yes, use a comma. If it is modifying an adjective like fundamentally different, no comma is needed.
Yes, if you want to compare two ideas and show that one is even deeper or more important than the other.
Using it for things that aren't actually 'core' issues. Don't use it for preferences like fundamentally liking blue more than red.
It is used equally in both! It is a standard word across the entire English-speaking world.
相关表达
At its core
Looking at the most central part of an issue.
Essentially
Used to summarize the most important quality of something.
In essence
A more formal way to say 'basically' or 'fundamentally'.
Bottom line
The final, most important result or point of a discussion.
评论 (0)
登录后评论免费开始学习语言
免费开始学习