fundamental definition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fundamental definition" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the essential or core meaning of a concept or term. Example: "In order to understand the theory, we must first establish a fundamental definition of the key terms involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Thermal efficiency is formulated based on its fundamental definition.

Energy and Buildings

At the Rawalpindi meetings, Musharraf drew his generals into a debate about the fundamental definition of Pakistan's national security.

The New Yorker

First, a fundamental definition of a service and its elements are given to describe the service.

CIRP Annals

The fundamental definition was based on the Earth's orbital motion as given by Newcomb's tables of the Sun of 1898.

Britannica

And this becomes the fundamental definition for the equation of a line which is not parallel to the y-axis.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

If the most fundamental definition of design is to solve problems, why are so many people devoting so much energy to solving problems that don't really exist?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

More, it provides fundamental definitions of how those things are seen by Federal law.

Cornell University

Some fundamental definitions and relations of the thermodynamic theory of the platinum electrode are considered.

Electrochimica Acta

Other fundamental definitions of terms are also provided, such as refraction, reflection, wave overtopping, etc.

Numerical Models for Submerged Breakwaters Coastal Hydrodynamics and Morphodynamics

This chapter reviews the fundamental definitions and basic principles of digital serial data communications.

Practical Data Acquisition for Instrumentation and Control Systems

So he, it's not something that is against gays, it's against anybody who wants to come along and change the fundamental definitions of pillars of society.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fundamental definition", ensure the concept you are defining is indeed a core, foundational aspect of the subject matter. Avoid using it for peripheral or nuanced concepts.

Common error

Avoid using "fundamental definition" when discussing highly complex or debated concepts where a single, universally accepted definition may not exist. In such cases, it's more accurate to acknowledge varying perspectives or interpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fundamental definition" serves as a noun phrase. As suggested by Ludwig AI, it's used to identify the essential, underlying meaning of a concept. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate its use in academic, scientific, and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

28%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fundamental definition" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to the core or essential meaning of a term. As Ludwig AI points out, it is usable in written English when establishing the meaning of a concept. It finds frequent use in scientific, academic, and news media sources. Alternatives like "basic definition" or "core definition" can be used depending on the nuance desired. When using this phrase, ensure that you are indeed referring to a foundational aspect and avoid overusing it for complex concepts with varying interpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

basic definition

Focuses on the elementary or foundational aspect of a definition.

core definition

Emphasizes the most important and central aspects of a definition.

essential definition

Highlights the indispensable and crucial elements of a definition.

foundational definition

Stresses the role of the definition as a base or starting point.

underlying definition

Implies the definition is a basic principle upon which something is built.

primary definition

Indicates the main or most important definition among several possibilities.

key definition

Highlights the significance and importance of the definition.

conceptual foundation

Shifts the focus to the concept's groundwork instead of the definition itself.

defining principle

Focuses on the principle that serves as the definition.

initial definition

Describes the first or starting definition, often in a series of evolving definitions.

FAQs

How can I use "fundamental definition" in a sentence?

You can use "fundamental definition" to refer to the most basic or essential meaning of a concept. For example, "Understanding the "basic definition" is crucial for grasping the theory."

What's a good substitute for "fundamental definition"?

Alternatives include "basic definition", "core definition", or "essential definition". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "fundamental definition" or "basic definition"?

Both "fundamental definition" and "basic definition" are correct. "Fundamental" emphasizes the foundational nature, while "basic" simply means elementary. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

How does "fundamental definition" differ from "working definition"?

"Fundamental definition" refers to the core meaning, while "working definition" is a provisional definition adopted for a specific purpose. A "working definition" may be less precise but more practical in a given context.