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cardinalof greatest importance; fundamental

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: of greatest importance; fundamental

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈkɑːrdɪnəl/

Korean meaning: 가장 중요한, 핵심적인

Korean pronunciation: 카-디-널 (강세: 카)

Example Sentences

  • The cardinal rule of dating: never check your ex's social media while on a date.
  • Education is of cardinal importance for future success.
  • The cardinal apologized for falling asleep during the three-hour sermon.

cardinal

ADJECTIVE

//ˈkɑːrdɪnəl//

of greatest importance; fundamental

cardinal concept
💡 Concept

The most fundamental support beam

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cardinal rhyme
🎵 Rhyme

Neither terminal nor marginal - cardinal cases come first!

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈkɑːrdɪnəl/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈkɑːdɪnəl/

🌳Etymology

Rootcardin
Suffix--al

Origin

From Latin 'cardo' meaning 'hinge,' the fundamental thing upon which something turns or depends. The word entered English through Old French and Medieval Latin, originally referring to the hinge-like cardinal points of the compass, then generalized to mean 'of primary importance.'

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🎵Rhyme

marginalterminalnominal
marginal
terminal
nominal

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📝Examples

😄 Fun example

The cardinal rule of dating: never check your ex's social media while on a date.

Education is of cardinal importance for future success.

😄 Fun example

The cardinal apologized for falling asleep during the three-hour sermon.

North, south, east, and west are the four cardinal directions.

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📚Related Words

Synonyms

fundamentalessentialprimaryprincipalcrucial

Antonyms

secondaryminortrivial

Related

crucialvitalparamountarchbishophierarchy