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pivotal

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /ˈpɪvətəl/

pivotal means: Extremely important because it can change what happens next.

adjective

CRUCIALLY IMPORTANTC1

Extremely important because it can change what happens next.

  • This is a pivotal moment.
  • He played a pivotal role in the peace talks.
  • Their decision proved pivotal to the company’s future.

How to use it: pivotal in something (Her support was pivotal in our success.); pivotal to something (Trust is pivotal to the success of this partnership.)

Similar words: crucial, key, critical, central

Opposites: unimportant

Common phrases: pivotal role, pivotal moment, pivotal decision

TURNING SUPPORTC2

Serving as, or connected with, the point around which something turns.

  • The arm has a pivotal joint.
  • A pivotal connection allows the two sections to turn.
  • The engineer replaced the worn pivotal support.

Common phrases: pivotal joint, pivotal support, pivotal connection

Questions about pivotal

What does pivotal mean?

Extremely important because it can change what happens next.

What is pivotal in other languages?

Türkçe: kritik · Español: crucial · Français: crucial · Deutsch: entscheidend · Italiano: cruciale · 日本語: 極めて重要な

How do you pronounce pivotal?

It is pronounced /ˈpɪvətəl/.

How do you use pivotal in a sentence?

This is a pivotal moment. He played a pivotal role in the peace talks.

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pivotal in other languages

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