Graduate so fundamental (5)

I believe the answer is:

basic

'fundamental' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'graduate so' is the wordplay.
'graduate' becomes 'BA' (someone with a Bachelor of Arts degree).
'so' becomes 'sic' ('so' in Latin).
'ba'+'sic'='BASIC'

(Other definitions for basic that I've seen before include "Elementary - without extras" , "Fundamental or rudimentary" , "Fundamental, elementary" , "Fundamental, forming a starting point" , "Simple - computer language" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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