watershed

/'wɔ:təʃed/
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Thân thiện
watershed

The treaty signing was a watershed moment for the region.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A critical turning point or event: A watershed is an event or period that marks a significant change in the course of history or in the development of something.
    • A drainage basin: A watershed is the entire geographical area of land from which all water runoff drains into a specific river, lake, or other body of water.
    • A dividing ridge: A watershed is a line of high ground, such as a hill or mountain range, that separates different drainage basins.
Examples
  • Noun (Turning Point):
    • The invention of the internet was a watershed in global communication.
    • The court's ruling is considered a legal watershed.
  • Noun (Drainage Basin):
    • Conservation efforts focus on protecting the entire river watershed.
    • Pollution in one part of the watershed can affect water quality miles downstream.
  • Noun (Dividing Ridge):
    • The mountain range acts as a watershed, sending rainfall to opposite sides of the continent.
Advanced Usage
  • "Watershed moment": This common phrase emphasizes an event of critical importance that changes the direction of history or a situation.
    • The ceasefire was a watershed moment for the peace process.
  • Used metaphorically to describe a boundary or dividing line between different phases, ideas, or eras.
    • The scandal marked a watershed between the old political culture and the new.
Variants and Related Words
  • Drainage basin (n): A synonym for the geographical meaning of watershed.
  • Catchment area (n): Another term for a drainage basin or watershed.
  • Divide (n): A synonym for the ridge that separates watersheds.
  • Turning point (n): A synonym for the figurative meaning of a critical event.
Synonyms
  • Turning point: A time when a decisive change occurs.
  • Landmark: An event marking an important stage of development.
  • Basin: A geographical area drained by a river.
  • Parting of the ways: A point of divergence or decision.
Related Phrases
  • "Cross a watershed": To pass a point of no return or to enter a new and irreversible phase.
    • With that decision, the company crossed a watershed and could not go back to its old ways.
Related Idioms
  • "A watershed event": An idiom directly using the word to describe a pivotal occurrence.
    • The election was a watershed event that reshaped the nation's politics.
watershed

The treaty signing was a watershed moment for the region.

Noun
  1. an event marking a unique or important historical change of course or one on which important developments depend
    • the agreement was a watershed in the history of both nations
  2. the entire geographical area drained by a river and its tributaries; an area characterized by all runoff being conveyed to the same outlet
    • flood control in the Missouri basin
  3. a ridge of land that separates two adjacent river systems

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