rhizoverbBeta
DictionarycardinalFundamental importance
adjective

cardinal

Of primary or fundamental importance.

Honesty is a cardinal principle of the organization's work.

Etymology
cardinLatinhinge
+alLatinrelating to

Latin cardo means hinge. Something cardinal is what an argument, system, or undertaking turns on, making the physical pivot an image for fundamental importance.

More examples

  • The compass marks the four cardinal directions.
  • The report identifies several cardinal errors.
  • Safety remains a matter of cardinal importance.

Similar words

fundamental
Emphasizes a basic foundation rather than directional usage.
principal
Emphasizes highest importance among several competing considerations.