foundational
UK: faʊnˈdeɪʃənəl | US: faʊnˈdeɪʃənəl
adj. relating to or serving as the base or core of something
adj. fundamental; essential to the existence or development of something
The word "foundational" derives from "foundation," which originates from the Latin "fundatio" (from "fundare," meaning "to lay a base"). The suffix "-al" (from Latin "-alis") turns the noun into an adjective, indicating a quality or relation. Thus, "foundational" literally means "pertaining to a base," reflecting its role in describing something fundamental or underlying.
Mathematics provides foundational skills for advanced scientific study.
The book offers a foundational understanding of economic principles.
These theories are foundational to modern psychology.
A strong vocabulary is foundational to language mastery.
The course covers the foundational concepts of computer programming.