In a way that affects the foundation or basic nature of something; at the most basic or essential level. It indicates a deep, structural, or core-level relationship or change.
From Latin 'fundamentum' meaning 'foundation', derived from 'fundare' (to found or establish). The English adverb developed in the 17th century, initially used in theological and philosophical contexts to describe basic principles, later expanding to indicate any deep-level or essential characteristic.
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