cardinal — of greatest importance; fundamental
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: of greatest importance; fundamental
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈkɑːrdɪnəl/
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
The strict instructor aggressively pointed at the cardinal rule of the workshop: always wear safety goggles.
CARDIN(hinge) + AL — a cardinal rule is like a massive door's hinge, because everything else depends on it to turn smoothly.
To catch the criminal, the sharp detective ignored the marginal footprints and focused entirely on the cardinal evidence: the bloody crowbar.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
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.'
Breakdown
cardo (Latin: hinge) + -al (adjective suffix meaning 'relating to') = cardinal (relating to the hinge/fundamental point)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“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.”
“North, south, east, and west are the four cardinal directions.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
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