Cardinal (en. Cardinal)

/kaʁ.din.al/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
adjective
Refers to a number that indicates quantity.
Three is a cardinal number.
Trois est un nombre cardinal.
Essential or fundamental.
Freedom is a cardinal principle of democracy.
La liberté est un principe cardinal de la démocratie.

Etymology

From the Latin 'cardinalis' meaning 'principal, essential'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

cardinal rules
Fundamental rules or essential principles.
cardinal rules
cardinal direction
One of the four main directions: north, south, east, or west.
cardinal direction

Related Words

ordinal
Refers to a number that indicates a rank or position.
ordinal
absolute
That which is unconditional or limitless.
absolu

Slang Meanings

Refers to something important.
It is cardinal to respect one's commitments.
C'est cardinal de respecter ses engagements.
That which has major value or impact.
This film is cardinal in the history of cinema.
Ce film est cardinal dans l'histoire du cinéma.