pivotal
/'pivətl/
Definition
- Adjective:
- Of crucial or critical importance; central; essential: "pivotal" describes something that is of the utmost importance, upon which other things depend or turn.
- Acting as a pivot; being a central point: "pivotal" can also refer to something that serves as a central point around which other things revolve or are balanced.
Examples of Usage
- Adjective:
- The discovery of penicillin was a pivotal moment in medical history.
- Her pivotal role in the negotiations helped secure the peace agreement.
- The company's success hinges on this pivotal decision.
Advanced Usage
- "to be pivotal to something": to be critically important for the success or existence of something.
- Trust is pivotal to a strong relationship.
- "to play a pivotal role/part": to have a central and critically important function.
- She played a pivotal role in organizing the community event.
Variants and Related Words
- Pivot (noun/verb): The central point, pin, or concept on which something turns or depends. To turn or rotate on a central point.
- The issue of funding became the pivot of the discussion.
- The dancer pivoted gracefully on one foot.
Synonyms
- Crucial: Of great importance.
- Critical: Of the greatest importance; decisive.
- Central: Of the greatest importance; principal.
- Key: Of crucial importance.
Antonyms
- Insignificant: Too small or unimportant to be worth consideration.
- Peripheral: Relating to or situated on the edge or periphery; of secondary importance.
- Minor: Lesser in importance, seriousness, or significance.
Related Phrases
- Pivotal point: A critical or decisive moment or issue.
- The election marked a pivotal point in the nation's politics.
- Pivotal figure: A person who is central to an event, organization, or movement.
- He was a pivotal figure in the development of modern art.
Adjective
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being of crucial importance
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a pivotal event
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Its pivotal location has also exposed it to periodic invasions- Henry Kissinger
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the polar events of this study
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a polar principal
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