Crossword Genius

They're of fundamental concern (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

basics

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'they're' is the definition.
The definition suggests an adverb but the answer is not.

'fundamental concern' is the wordplay.
'fundamental' becomes 'basic' (synonyms).
'concern' becomes 's' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'basic'+'s'='BASICS'

'of' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for basics that I've seen before include "Rudiments" , "Fundamentals, starting-points" , "Essential principles" .)

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