fundamentally different

[ˌfʌndəˈmɛntəli ˈdɪfərənt]
adjective phrase
fundamentalmente diferente
1. Essentially or basically different in nature, character, or kind; differing in core or essential aspects rather than superficial ones
The two approaches are fundamentally different in their methodology.
As duas abordagens são fundamentalmente diferentes em sua metodologia.
2. Diverging at the most basic or foundational level; incompatible or distinct in principle
Their political ideologies are fundamentally different.
Suas ideologias políticas são fundamentalmente diferentes.
3. Distinct in primary components or underlying structure
Modern technology is fundamentally different from what existed a decade ago.
A tecnologia moderna é fundamentalmente diferente da que existia uma década atrás.
This phrase is widely used in both American English and Brazilian Portuguese in academic, business, and everyday discourse to emphasize that differences are not superficial but rather go to the core of what is being compared. In Brazil, the phrase is common in educational and professional settings. In the USA, it's frequently used in political, scientific, and philosophical discussions.
NYC Slang
worlds apart, totally different
Synonyms / Sinônimos
basically differentessentially differentradically differentcompletely differentdistinctly differentinherently different
Antonyms / Antônimos
fundamentally similaressentially the samebasically alikesubstantially identical

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
fundamentalmente diferente
Standard usage across Brazil
São Paulo
fundamentalmente diferente
Commonly used in business and academic contexts
Rio de Janeiro
fundamentalmente diferente
Standard usage, may colloquially simplify to 'bem diferente'
Portugal
fundamentalmente diferente
Identical usage; sometimes 'radicalmente diferente' preferred

Related Words

fundamentaldifferencedistinctdissimilardivergentcontrasting

Related Idioms & Phrases

apples and oranges
chalk and cheese
night and day
a far cry from
like comparing apples to oranges
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