pivotal point
2
4.9
- noun
- /ˈpɪvətl pɔɪnt/
:
punto crucial
- Many believe that the invention of the internet was a pivotal point in human communication and information sharing.
But you know, it was, I just, it's, it's, it's such a pivotal point in history.
- But you know, it was, I just, it's, it's, it's such a pivotal point in history.
- And that's why space is such a critical, pivotal point in the future that most people don't recognize yet.
- And and you know what the pivotal point was for my coach and I want to say, Sean Vodka, you saved my life, buddy.
Examples
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The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) is at a pivotal point in recruiting new leadership to manage the Chicago area's vital stormwater and wastewater.
Blog text (9) -
Clear environmental signals are showing this region is at a pivotal point.
Academic text (2011) -
What do you think were the most pivotal points in your life that changed the way you shot?
Blog text (9) -
I was beginning to think that I was reaching a pivotal point in what God had to teach me through our adoption.
Blog text (14) -
Library catalogs, too, are facing a pivotal point in their development.
Academic text (2011) -
We will look back to November 6, 2012, as a pivotal point in our nation's history. It's really amazing that we are a part of that change.
Blog text (19) -
But, you know, the real reward for me is knowing that I've helped influence a kid at a very pivotal point in his life.
-
This marks a pivotal point in the child's growth as a skilled reader.
-
The outbreak of war in 1914 found Irish-American Catholics moving toward a pivotal point of transition in their progressive assimilation into American society.
Academic text (1996) -
Her decision to move to a new city was a pivotal point in her journey towards independence.
Synonyms
807
7.2
Great importance that affects people or events
104
3.7
A moment when an important event changes what happens next
47
6.6
A time when an important decision must be made
43
5.3
A moment when a small event causes a big, lasting change
38
3.7
The most intense point in a process, event, or story
36
6.3
The highest point in a process or event
35
4.1
A sudden change in a situation that makes plans or results different
20
5.1
A very important time when someone must show skill or courage
16
6.3
A point in time when something is about to change
9
5.3
A moment when people must make an important decision
6
6.3
An event that causes a very important change in a person's life or history
5
3.9
A time when you must make an important choice that affects the future
4
7.5
A moment when a situation changes in an important way
A time when an important change happens in a story or process
How Critical
Surface Forms
Morphology
Both constituents transparently contribute to the meaning: 'pivotal' = central/decisive and 'point' = a specific stage or moment, so 'pivotal point' straightforwardly denotes a decisive or critical moment. This adjective+noun composition follows normal English patterns and has clear parallels in many languages, so a B1 learner who knows both words would readily infer the MWE's meaning.
Etymology
Pivotal point comes from a simple picture: a pivot is the small pin that lets something 'turn', and a point is the exact spot where it turns. So a pivotal point is a moment or event that makes a big 'change' or decides what happens next.