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fundamental means fundamental — a common term in Academic & Exam Prep. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: August 21, 2025

🧠 Academic & Exam Prep

fundamental

adjective • /[foon-dah-men-TAL]/

fundamental

Example:

La educación es fundamental para el desarrollo.

Education is fundamental for development.

🧠 What does fundamental mean?

The word 'fundamental' in Spanish means essentially the same as it does in English: something that forms a necessary base or core, something of central importance. It's used to describe principles, rights, ideas, elements, or anything else that serves as a foundation or is absolutely crucial.

📚 Extra examples

  • Los derechos humanos son fundamentales.
    Human rights are fundamental.
  • La comprensión de la gramática es fundamental para aprender un nuevo idioma.
    Understanding grammar is fundamental to learning a new language.
  • El ingrediente fundamental de esta receta es el chocolate.
    The fundamental ingredient in this recipe is chocolate.
  • Hay una diferencia fundamental entre los dos enfoques.
    There is a fundamental difference between the two approaches.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'fundamental' comes from the Latin 'fundamentum,' meaning 'foundation.'

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "fundamental"

Synonyms: esencial, básico, primordial, clave
Opposites: superficial, secundario, trivial

🔍 See more academic & exam prep words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'fundamental' in Spanish?
The word 'fundamental' is the same in Spanish.
How do you pronounce 'fundamental' in Spanish?
It's pronounced foon-dah-men-TAHL, with the stress on the last syllable.
How do you use 'fundamental' in a sentence?
You can use 'fundamental' just like in English, before a noun: 'Es un aspecto fundamental.' (It's a fundamental aspect.)
What is the English translation of 'fundamental'?
The English translation of 'fundamental' is, conveniently, 'fundamental'.
Does 'fundamental' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'fundamental' needs to agree with the noun it modifies. For plural nouns, use 'fundamentales.' For feminine nouns, you would generally use 'fundamental,' but you could also say 'fundamentales' when referring to feminine plural nouns.
Is 'fundamental' common in everyday Spanish?
While not as common as words like 'bueno' or 'casa,' 'fundamental' is used frequently, especially in more formal or academic contexts.
Does 'fundamental' have slang or double meanings?
No, 'fundamental' doesn't have any slang or double meanings. Its meaning is fairly straightforward.
Is 'fundamental' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
No, the meaning and usage of 'fundamental' are consistent across both Spain and Latin America.

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