pivotal
Critically important in determining future outcomes
Examples
In a meeting
“This meeting is pivotal for securing next quarter's budget.”
Over coffee
“That conversation was pivotal in helping me decide to move.”
Why this word
important
Pivotal specifically indicates a turning point or central role around which other things depend, while important is vague about the type of significance
crucial
Crucial means necessary for success, but pivotal emphasizes being a central axis or hinge point that determines direction
key
Key is informal and general, while pivotal conveys the specific idea of something that causes rotation or fundamental change
Usage tip
Use for moments or decisions that serve as turning points; stronger than just 'important'
Etymology
Latin: pivot from French 'pivot' (hinge or shaft), meaning a central point on which something turns
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Related words
evaluate
To assess or judge the value, quality, or significance of something.
discern
To perceive or recognize a subtle difference or hidden truth.
fundamental
Forming a necessary base or core; of central importance.
defer
To postpone something to a later time, or to yield to someone else's judgment.
authorize
To give official permission or approval for something
reconsider
Think about a decision or opinion again with the possibility of changing it