CARDINALLY Meaning and
Definition
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Cardinally is an adverb used to describe something of fundamental importance or significance. It denotes a central aspect or a primary characteristic of a particular matter or situation. The term is derived from the word "cardinal," which originally referred to the highest-ranking officials in the Roman Catholic Church, known as cardinals. Just as these officials occupy a crucial position within the Church, the adverb "cardinally" highlights the essential or pivotal nature of something in a broader context.
When applied to ideas or concepts, "cardinally" refers to the fundamental or indispensable nature of a particular principle or theory. For example, in mathematics, the commutative property is cardinally significant as it allows for transformations and simplifications of equations. Similarly, when addressing global issues, such as climate change, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions stands out as cardinally important in mitigating the environmental impacts.
In a more general sense, "cardinally" can describe the central or primary role played by an individual or an organization in a specific context. For instance, a director's creative vision is cardinally crucial to the success of a movie production, or a nonprofit organization may be cardinally influential in addressing social inequalities.
Overall, when events, concepts, principles, or individuals are described as cardinally significant, it suggests that they are pivotal, fundamental, or critically important in an essential way.
Common Misspellings for CARDINALLY
Etymology of CARDINALLY
The word "cardinally" derives from the adjective "cardinal", which has a Latin origin. In Latin, the word "cardinalis" originally referred to a hinge or pivot around which something turns. It was later used to describe important points of reference, such as the cardinal directions (north, south, east, and west), which act as pivotal points for navigation. Over time, the word was extended to refer to other fundamental or essential aspects. As an adverb, "cardinally" simply adds the suffix "-ly" to its adjective form.
Similar spelling words for CARDINALLY
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