foundational

[ foun-dey-shuh-nl ]

adjective

1. of or relating to the basis or groundwork on which something rests or is built; needing to be understood or established at the beginning:

   We believe that fostering a strong local community is a foundational component of our inner-city scholarship program, guiding everything else we do.

Other Words From

• foun·da·tion·al·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of foundational¹

foundation ( def ) + -al ¹( def )

Example Sentences

Low said the research was part of a series of small but impactful studies, providing foundational insights into the importance of studying individual variation and how humans react to eating in more stressful environments.

From Science Daily

Still, Gluesenkamp Perez does have some pointed advice as her party seeks to woo and win back the working-class voters who, for decades, were foundational to Democratic success.

From Los Angeles Times

Even in politics, the foundational role of protecting free speech is the promotion of free ideas, not to protect a nefarious publisher’s monopoly.

From Salon

“The safety and security of players, fans and Stadium staff is the foundational element of every event held at Yankee Stadium, and it cannot be compromised,” the team said.

From Los Angeles Times

Americans have fought in wars to stop these policies from being implemented, and we must help them remember the values that are foundational to our country.

From Salon

Related Words

• central
• constitutional
• crucial
• elemental
• elementary
• essential
• indispensable
• integral
• intrinsic
• major
• necessary
• paramount
• principal
• radical
• significant
• structural
• theoretical
• underlying
• vital