English vocabulary · C1
Cardinal
/ˈkɑrdənəl/ · adj.
Cardinal means more important than anything else. It describes a rule that guides every choice, so breaking it can cause serious harm.
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Example sentences
- Safety is our cardinal rule.
- Trust is cardinal to our work.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- cardo — hinge (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- CHIEF — most important (Highest In Importance)
- KEY — very important (Needed For Success)
- CENTRAL — main to the issue (At The Heart)
Similar words
- chief
- key
- central
- essential
- fundamental
Lesson notes
Cardinal means more important than anything else. It describes a rule that guides every choice, so breaking it can cause serious harm.
Related: chief, key, central. Use cardinal when one rule matters most.
Safety is our cardinal rule. Trust is cardinal to our work.
From Latin. Cardo means hinge. It formed cardinalis, meaning related to a hinge. A cardinal rule is the main point that all else turns on.