foundational

adjective

foun·​da·​tion·​al fau̇n-ˈdā-sh(ə-)nəl 

: of, relating to, or forming or serving as a base or foundation : fundamental

foundational principles/doctrines

These foundational volumes proved to be, each in its own way, enabling gestures for the growth of sophisticated theories and critical practices in African, Caribbean, and African American literatures.

—Henry Louis Gates, Jr.

Property was, in a sense, foundational to culture, since English political economy rested on the private ownership of land, and the political economy, in turn, largely structured social relations.

—Jill Lepore

Philosophy is a foundational discipline. Not only does it do the spadework that makes the construction of other disciplines possible; it also pays constant attention to the foundations of those disciplines as they are practiced.

—Cognitive Science

foundationally adverb

Examples of foundational in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Achieving rhythm and relaxation in a horse’s work is foundational before progressing to higher level work. —Samantha Bergin, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025

In addition to foundational Mattel brands such as Barbie, Hot Wheels, Matchbox and card game Uno, the company over the years has acquired complementary toymakers, including Fisher-Price, American Girl, Mega Bloks and the owner of Thomas the Tank Engine, Bob the Builder and Barney. —Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 6 Mar. 2025

There’s also walking meditation, a foundational mindfulness technique. —Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 6 Mar. 2025

Our foundational document, held and displayed in the National Archives building on the National Mall, insists that all men are created equal and rails against the tyranny of despots and kings. —Elaine Weiss, The Atlantic, 6 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for foundational

• formational
• gestational
• gradational
• locational
• mutational
• nonrational
• notational
• relational
• rotational
• sensational
• translational
• vibrational