fundamental differences

Meanings

1. 1nounplural

   The most basic and important ways in which two or more things are not the same.

   Grammar: Used in the plural; for one point of contrast say 'a fundamental difference'.

   Patterns

   • fundamental differences between something and something
   • fundamental differences in something
   • there are fundamental differences

   There are fundamental differences between the two legal systems.

   The report highlights fundamental differences in how the teams approach safety.

   Despite the talks, fundamental differences remain over pay and working hours.

2. 2nounplural

   Deep disagreements on the most important points of a subject or plan.

   Grammar: Often followed by 'over' or 'on' when the disagreement is about a topic.

   Patterns

   • fundamental differences over something
   • fundamental differences on something
   • fundamental differences remain

   The two sides still have fundamental differences over trade rules.

   Fundamental differences on climate policy blocked the agreement.

   Negotiators admitted that fundamental differences remained after three days.

Word forms

Common combinations

fundamental differences between

There are fundamental differences between the two approaches.

fundamental differences in

We found fundamental differences in the data from each region.

fundamental differences remain

Fundamental differences remain between the parties.

fundamental differences over

The talks failed because of fundamental differences over funding.

highlight fundamental differences

The study highlights fundamental differences in teacher training.

Synonyms and how they differ

basic differences

'Basic differences' is a plainer, less emphatic phrase; 'fundamental' stresses that the differences go to the very core.

deep divisions

'Deep divisions' suggests strong disagreement or conflict, whereas 'fundamental differences' can simply describe neutral contrasts.

Opposites

Word family

fundamentally adverb

In a basic and important way: 'The plans are fundamentally different.'

fundament noun

The base or foundation of something, often used figuratively.

Commonly confused: fundamental differences or foundational differences?

Practice

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Write a sentence using “fundamental differences”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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