temeldeki

Temeldeki is a Turkish attributive form derived from temel (base, foundation) with the locative suffix -de and the relative suffix -ki. It literally means “the one in the base” but is used idiomatically to denote something fundamental or underlying. The construction functions as an adjective that identifies the core aspect of a noun, rather than its superficial traits. For example, temeldeki sorun means “the fundamental problem,” and temeldeki nedenler means “the underlying causes.”

Grammatically, temeldeki precedes the noun it modifies and behaves as an ordinary adjective in Turkish. It does not inflect for number on its own; the noun carries plurality if needed, as in temeldeki sorunlar for “the fundamental problems.” The phrase can be used with a wide range of nouns, including abstract concepts (sorunlar, nedenler) and concrete objects, to emphasize root or underlying qualities rather than surface characteristics.

In usage, temeldeki is common in formal and analytical Turkish, including academic writing, journalism, policy discussions, and philosophical or sociological discourse. It helps differentiate between what is evident on the surface and what lies at the base of a phenomenon, issue, or argument. While often translated as “fundamental” or “underlying” in English, its connotation remains closely tied to core or essential aspects in Turkish discourse.