foundational

Definitions

Serving as a base or primary support for something.

Relating to the fundamental principles or core elements of a system or theory.

Examples

Mathematics provides the foundational knowledge required for success in engineering and physics.

The team established a foundational strategy that would guide their operations for the next decade.

Synonyms

fundamental basic essential primary underlying elemental core

Antonyms

superficial secondary peripheral nonessential trivial incidental extraneous