B2adverbformal3K

Fundamentally

UK /["/ˌfʌndəˈmentəli/"]/US /["/ˌfʌndəˈmentəli/"]/

Definition

in every way that is important; completely

In simple words: In a basic or essential way.

Examples

The two approaches are fundamentally different.
By the 1960s the situation had changed fundamentally.
They remained fundamentally opposed to the plan.
Fundamentally, there are two different approaches to the problem.
She is fundamentally a nice person, but she finds it difficult to communicate.

Usage notes

Use 'fundamentally' in formal contexts to emphasize the basic nature of something. Avoid in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

standalone adverb

Memory hint

Think of 'fundamentally' as the base of a building; it's what everything stands on.

Collocations

fundamentally different
fundamentally important
fundamentally flawed
fundamentally altered
fundamentally challenged

Synonyms

basically
basically

Antonyms

superficially
secondarily

Common mistakes

Using 'fundamentally' when you mean 'significantly'.
Confusing 'fundamentally' with 'essentially'.
Incorrectly placing 'fundamentally' before the subject instead of the verb.