pivotal
Say it: PIV-uh-tul /ˈpɪvətəl/ · adjective
What “pivotal” means
Crucial in deciding what happens next.
More precisely: Of crucial importance in deciding what happens next.
Example: “That conversation with my mentor was pivotal in my decision to switch careers.”
When to use it
In serious conversation about change, when one moment, decision or person strongly determines how events turn out.
Memory trick
A pivot is a turning point. Picture one small hinge turning a huge door.
Similar words
crucial, decisive, critical
Quick check
One last-minute save keeps the team in the tournament and changes their whole season. What word describes that moment?
memorable or pivotal?
Show the answer
pivotal
Learn 5 new words a day in Kinquire. Each with a picture, how to say it, an example and a quick check, then spaced review so you actually keep them. Free to start.
Learn “pivotal”