foundational

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Abraham Lincoln, for instance, evoked a biblical passage to frame the preamble’s emphasis on equality as a foundational American concept.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

“When physicians prioritize access to power over ethical judgment, they often break the foundational covenant of medicine,” she wrote.

From Salon • May 19, 2026

Oklo cleared a major regulatory hurdle last week when the Nuclear Regulatory Commission approved a foundational rulebook for its Aurora power plant.

From Barron's • May 13, 2026

Her new show at Roberts Projects, opening May 30, lets us in on a different but equally foundational branch of Saar’s story: her costume design work.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

Discovery is not in itself a scientific idea but rather an idea that is foundational for science: we might call it a metascientific idea.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton