fundamental

1. ADJ You use fundamental to describe things, activities, and principles that are very important or essential. They affect the basic nature of other things or are the most important element upon which other things depend. 基本的

Our constitution embodies all the fundamental principles of democracy. 我们的宪法体现了民主的所有基本原则。

A fundamental human right is being withheld from these people. 这些人的一项基本人权正被剥夺。

2. ADJ You use fundamental to describe something which exists at a deep and basic level, and is therefore likely to continue. 根本的

But on this question, the two leaders have very fundamental differences. 但在这个问题上，这两位领导人有着极根本的分歧。

3. ADJ If one thing is fundamental to another, it is absolutely necessary to it, and the second thing cannot exist, succeed, or be imagined without it. 绝对必要的[v-link ADJ 'to' n]

He believes better relations with China are fundamental to the well-being of the area. 他相信与中国的更好关系对这个地区的福祉是绝对必要的。

4. ADJ You can use fundamental to show that you are referring to what you consider to be the most important aspect of a situation, and that you are not concerned with less important details. 主要的[ADJ n]

The fundamental problem lies in their inability to distinguish between reality and invention. 主要问题在于他们不能区分现实和虚构。