adj (1) 基本(础)的;构成基础的(having to do with the foundation;elemental;basic，primary)：～changes根本的改变;a～revision一项基本的修改;～knowledge of electricity/cause of sb's success有关电的基础知识/某人成功的根本原因;There are～differences in political beliefs between the two parties. 在政治信仰方面两党之间存在着根本的区别。

(2) 作为起点的(serving as a starting-point)：the～principles of banking/rules of mathematics银行的基本原则/数学的基本法则;a～idea 一个基本想法;〖同〗basic;

(3) 十分重要的;主要的 (of the greatest importance;having a greater effect than all others)：～concern/question/purpose首要关注的事情/首要的问题/主要目的;

(4) 对……是必须(要)的 (essential，necessary) [A (to)]：Respect for law and order is～to a peaceful society. 尊重法律和秩序是一个和平的社会所不可缺少的。Understanding the rules of the game is～to playing well. 懂得这项比赛的规则是打好比赛所必须的。

→͵funda′mentally adv 基本(础)地;根本地;

n 基本规则(原则，原理)(basic or essential part of anything) [通常作pl]：the～s of education/religion/art/philosophy教育/宗教/艺术/哲学的基本原理