fundamentally

adverb

fun·​da·​men·​tal·​ly ˌfən-də-ˈmen-tᵊl-ē 

: with regard to what is basic, essential, or fundamental : at a fundamental level

a fundamentally honest person

a fundamentally new/different approach

Most theories of the internal structure of Venus begin with the assumption that the planet is fundamentally similar to the earth …

—Andrew and Louise Young

: in a basic or fundamental manner

This "disposable" work force is the most important trend in business today, and it is fundamentally changing the relationship between Americans and their jobs.

—Janice Castro

Examples of fundamentally in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Weight-Loss Drug Study Offers Limited Evidence Although the weight-loss drug study involves a very large number of participants, its design means its evidence is fundamentally limited. —Katherine Hignett, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025

There’s something fundamentally paleo about Basso, from his out-of-another-era firm handshake to his not carrying a cellphone. —Daniel D'addario, Variety, 21 Jan. 2025

But the broad themes were fundamentally Trumpian, setting himself up as a national savior. —Bill Barrow, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2025

The birthright citizenship reinterpretation could, for instance, fundamentally change the rules for new parents to register their babies and for all U.S. citizens to apply for passports. —Rafael Bernal, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above