How to Pronounce Fundamental

To pronounce "fundamental", say FUND-am-ent-al — 4 syllables, IPA /ˌfʌndəˈmɛntəl/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

fundamental

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Accent

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Speed

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4

Syllables

11

Letters

/ˌfʌndəˈmɛntəl/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “fundamental”

"fundamental" has 4 syllables: fund-am-ent-al. It rhymes with detrimental and transcendental, if that helps it stick.

What does fundamental mean?

noun

  1. (usually in the plural) A leading or primary principle, rule, law, or article, which serves as the groundwork of a system; an essential part

    “one of the fundamentals of linear algebra”

  2. The lowest frequency of a periodic waveform.

adjective

  1. Pertaining to the foundation or basis; serving for the foundation.
  2. Essential, as an element, principle, or law; important; original; elementary.

    “A need for belonging seems fundamental to humans.”

Synonyms

groundlaying

Hear “fundamental” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with fundamental

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

detrimentaltranscendentalmentalsentimentaltemperamentalincidentalmonumentalinstrumentalsupplementalelementalkennelincremental

Related words

cardinalsignificantbasicprimalimportantprofoundrudimentarycentral

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "fundamental"?▾

"Fundamental" has 4 syllables: fund · am · ent · al.

What is the IPA transcription of "fundamental"?▾

The IPA transcription of "fundamental" is /ˌfʌndəˈmɛntəl/.

What does "fundamental" mean?▾

Fundamental: (usually in the plural) A leading or primary principle, rule, law, or article, which serves as the groundwork of a system; an essential part

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