fundamental

foon-dah-men-TAHL/fundaemẽnˈtal/

“fundamental” means “essential” in Spanish (meaning something is a core requirement).

essential, fundamental

Also: key, basic

El respeto es fundamental en una buena amistad.

Respect is essential in a good friendship.

Necesitamos un cambio fundamental en nuestra estrategia.

We need a fundamental change in our strategy.

Es una pieza fundamental del motor.

It is a key part of the engine.

Words that translate to "fundamental" in Spanish:

Question 1 of 2

How would you say 'the fundamental ideas' in Spanish?

👥 Word Family▼

fundamento(foundation/basis) — Noun

fundamentalmente(fundamentally) — Adverb

fundar(to found/to start) — Verb

🎵 Rhymes▼

📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin word 'fundamentalis,' which comes from 'fundamentum,' meaning the bottom or foundation of a building.

First recorded: 15th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: fundamentalFrench: fondamentalItalian: fondamentale

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Is 'fundamental' stronger than 'importante'?

Yes. While 'importante' means important, 'fundamental' suggests that something is so necessary that the whole thing would fall apart without it.

Can I use 'fundamental' to describe people?

Yes! You can say 'Ella es una pieza fundamental del equipo' (She is a fundamental part of the team).