Crucial
ˈkruːʃəl
Definitions
Of supreme importance; decisive or critical.
ˈkruːʃəl
Extremely important or essential
Water is crucial for survival.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're playing a game, and there's one move that will win or lose it for you. That move is crucial! It's super important and makes a big difference in the outcome.
👶 For kids: When something is crucial, it means it's super important! Like when you really, really need to eat your veggies to grow big and strong.
More Examples
This is a crucial decision that will affect the outcome.
The test results were crucial in determining her treatment plan.
How It's Used
"A successful marketing campaign is crucial for the company's growth."
"The upcoming election is crucial for determining the country's future direction."
"Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment of the disease."
From Late Latin *crucialis*, meaning 'cross-shaped', referring to the pivotal point in a decision; ultimately from *crux* ('cross').
The word's usage has remained relatively consistent over time, emphasizing points of significant importance or critical junctures.
Memory tip
Think of a cross (crux). It marks a pivotal point. Something crucial is a point that has a big impact.