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plural fundamentals
(usually in the plural) A main or major principle, rule, law, etc. which serves as the foundation or basis of a system; an essential part quotations examples
When any one offers me a compleat Catalogue of his Fundamentals, he does not unreaſonably demand me to quit mine for nothing […]
1722, John Locke, The Works of John Locke ...: With Alphabetical Tables ..., page 572
Personal leadership is a fundamental of successful government.
1928, Franklin D. Roosevelt, The Happy Warrior Alfred E. Smith, Houghton Mifflin, page 28
(physics) The lowest frequency of a periodic waveform. examples
(music) The lowest partial of a complex tone. examples
comparative more fundamental, superlative most fundamental
Related to a foundation, base, or basis; serving as a foundation. examples
Essential; extremely important. quotations examples
Seeing the British establishment struggle with the financial sector is like watching an alcoholic […]. Until 2008 there was denial over what finance had become. […] But the scandals kept coming, […]. A broad section of the political class now recognises the need for change but remains unable to see the necessity of a fundamental overhaul. Instead it offers fixes and patches.
2013 June 28, Joris Luyendijk, “Our banks are out of control”, in The Guardian Weekly, volume 189, number 3, page 21