Which word means 'essential' or 'basic'?

• A. Furthermore
• B. Fundamental
• C. Gaunt
• D. Gender

Answer: (B)

The concept here is recognizing a synonym for essential or basic. Fundamental exactly conveys something that is essential or forms the base for everything else, often describing the foundational ideas, principles, or elements you must have first. For example, in discussing what you need to solve a problem, fundamental concepts are those you must understand before moving on. That sense of being foundational and indispensable makes it the best fit for meaning essential or basic.

The other options don’t match that sense: furthermore means “in addition,” used to add information; gaunt describes someone very thin; gender refers to a category related to sex or identity, not to importance or foundation.