pivotal

Language: en

🇺🇸 /ˈpɪvətəl/

📖 Definitions

  1. adjective
    Of or relating to a pivot; serving as a central point on which something turns or depends.; Of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else; critical, decisive.; Serving as a central figure or element around which other things revolve or are organized.; Capable of being pivoted or turning on a pivot.

🔗 Details

Word forms

Comparative: more pivotal Superlative: most pivotal

Collocations

pivotal rolepivotal momentpivotal pointpivotal figurepivotal importancepivotal decision

Derivatives

pivotpivotallypivoting

Synonyms

crucialcriticalkeycentralessentialvital

Antonyms

peripheralminorinsignificant

Commonly confused

pivot
EN: 'Pivot' is the noun (a central point) or verb (to turn); 'pivotal' is the adjective meaning 'of central importance'.

Spelling tips

EN: Remember that 'pivotal' is formed from 'pivot' + '-al'; do not double the 't' (not 'pivottal').

💬 Examples

  1. The pivotal mechanism allowed the door to swing smoothly in both directions.

  2. The Battle of Stalingrad was a pivotal moment in World War II.

  3. She played a pivotal role in the negotiations between the two countries.

  4. The chair had a pivotal base that allowed it to rotate 360 degrees.