fundamental meaning

USAGE SUMMARY

"fundamental meaning" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when discussing the core, essential, or basic meaning of a term or concept. For example, "For understanding Shakespeare's work, it's important to grasp the fundamental meaning of the Elizabethan English used in his writing."

✓ Grammatically correct

Ethics

Philosophy

Education

Law

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

But ethics also has a more fundamental meaning.

Harvard Business Review

When feminists and others began deconstructing marriage, they lost sight of its fundamental meaning.

The New York Times

At one point it seemed to disappear up its own fundamental meaning.

The Guardian

We should instead restore the fundamental meaning and values of school education.

The Washington Post

"It's the idea of uniqueness," Morand says, when asked about the fundamental meaning of haute couture.

The New York Times

Those achievements, taken together, gave him a sense that his life had a completeness and a fundamental meaning.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

It seems as if Mr. Libeskind had been so distracted by secret signs and allegories that he overlooked the fundamental meanings his building was supposed to have.

The New York Times - Arts

For me, the book demonstrates that it is best to regard Smolin as a natural philosopher, most interested in reflecting on the fundamental meanings of space, time, reality, existence and related topics.

Nature

Instead, the axioms provide the fundamental meanings of the constructs.

SEP

The latter one is the comparison between three cultures (countries) "in discontinuity, where the fundamental meanings of cultural items might be discovered by this 'heuristic' method" (Kawada 2006, p. 346).

Asia-Pacific Science Education

Below is a seven-step Design Science Research approach to systematically developing rigorous insights that work. 1) Generating Big Ideas from fundamental meanings The founders or their development team meet in multiple sessions over a short period of time (weeks) to generate Whys for the ventures by exploring a proven taxonomy of meanings.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract or complex topics, clearly defining the "fundamental meaning" of key terms can enhance clarity and prevent misinterpretations. Ensure your audience understands the basic concept before delving into nuanced details.

Common error

Avoid assuming that the "fundamental meaning" of a term is universally understood. Context can significantly alter interpretation, so always consider the specific field or situation when defining core concepts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fundamental meaning" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It identifies the core or essential significance of a concept or term. As Ludwig AI points out, this expression is deemed grammatically correct and suitable for various written contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

22%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

11%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fundamental meaning" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed noun phrase that pinpoints the most essential definition of a term or concept. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and suitability for diverse writing scenarios. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academic and Scientific sources, it serves to ensure clarity and prevent misunderstandings. When crafting your writing, remember to account for contextual nuances, ensuring your audience gains a robust comprehension of the core concepts discussed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

core meaning

Focuses on the central, most important aspect of the meaning.

essential meaning

Emphasizes the necessity and indispensability of the meaning.

basic meaning

Highlights the simplicity and foundational nature of the meaning.

primary significance

Shifts focus to the importance and consequence of the meaning.

underlying meaning

Suggests a meaning that is not immediately obvious but forms the basis.

true meaning

Emphasizes authenticity and genuineness of the meaning.

real meaning

Focuses on the actual, as opposed to superficial, meaning.

inherent meaning

Highlights that the meaning is naturally or intrinsically part of something.

original meaning

Refers to the meaning as it was first intended or understood.

literal meaning

Focuses on the most direct and non-figurative interpretation.

FAQs

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

You can use "fundamental meaning" to emphasize the core or essential definition of something. For example, "Understanding the "fundamental meaning" of 'justice' is crucial for ethical discussions."

What is another way to express "fundamental meaning"?

Alternatives include "core meaning", "essential meaning", or "basic meaning". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "fundamental meaning" or "basic meaning"?

"Fundamental meaning" often implies a deeper, more foundational understanding, while "basic meaning" suggests a simpler, more accessible definition. The choice depends on the complexity of the concept and the intended audience.

Why is understanding the "fundamental meaning" of concepts important?

Grasping the "fundamental meaning" ensures a solid foundation for further learning and prevents misunderstandings. It allows for more effective communication and critical thinking.