At bottom or by one's (or its) very nature; SYN. fundamentally, essentially, in essence, au fond.
Essentially, fundamentally, primarily
In a principal manner; primarily; above all; chiefly; mainly.
1. In a stringent manner; SYN. stringently.
2. Restricted to something; SYN. purely.
ETYM Latin cardinalis, from cardo the hinge of a door, that on which a thing turns or depends: cf. French cardinal.
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(applied to) Simple numbers, 1, 2, 3, etc.; applied to N, S, E, and W points of compass.
1. Being or denoting a numerical quantity but not order.
2. Serving as an essential component; SYN. central, fundamental, key, primal.
Relating to or included in a category.
ETYM Cf. French fondamental.
1. Being or involving basic facts or principles; SYN. rudimentary, underlying.
2. Far-reaching and thoroughgoing in effect especially on the nature of something; SYN. profound.