Word
pivotal
Phoneticspiv·otal
US/ˈpɪvətəɫ/
UK/pˈɪvətəl/
Definitions
01crucial or central
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. extremely important because it changes the way something develops.
adj. being of crucial importance; acting as the central point on which a situation or series of events turns.
“The discovery of the new evidence played a pivotal role in the trial.”
“The CEO's decision to pivot toward renewable energy proved to be a pivotal moment in the company's fifty-year history.”
Antonyms
02relating to a physical pivot
C1 · Advanced Science Technical
adj. relating to a central point that something turns on.
adj. of, relating to, or functioning as a physical pivot or hinge.
“The machine has a pivotal joint that allows the arm to move in a circle.”
“The engineer inspected the pivotal mechanism to ensure the bridge could rotate smoothly during high winds.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “pivotal” in context.
Adjective
01. robust pivotal
“The study provided robust, pivotal evidence that changed the course of the research.”
adv + adj
02. pivotal day
Real-World Examples
“This places Praearcturus at a pivotal moment in Earth's history when animals were first experimenting with life outside the oceans.” “We’re going to be OK.”
Today, Pinkerton is recognised as a pivotal emo album.” Etymology
From pivot + -al.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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