pivotal
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
extremely important because it changes the way something develops.
being of crucial importance; acting as the central point on which a situation or series of events turns.
Simple“The discovery of the new evidence played a pivotal role in the trial.”
In context“The CEO's decision to pivot toward renewable energy proved to be a pivotal moment in the company's fifty-year history.”
- 02 C1 Advanced
relating to a central point that something turns on.
of, relating to, or functioning as a physical pivot or hinge.
Simple“The machine has a pivotal joint that allows the arm to move in a circle.”
In context“The engineer inspected the pivotal mechanism to ensure the bridge could rotate smoothly during high winds.”
Usage pivotal day · robust pivotal
“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.”
From pivot + -al.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.