Moment
'moʊmənt
Definitions
3 meaningsA very brief period of time; a point in time.
'moʊmənt
A very brief period of time.
Could you wait a moment while I finish this?
💡 Simply: Imagine you're waiting for your friend. A 'moment' is like saying, 'Just wait a teeny tiny bit!' It's a super short time.
👶 For kids: A moment is a tiny, tiny bit of time. Like when you blink!
More Examples
She paused for a moment before answering.
The decision will be made at the decisive moment.
How It's Used
"I'll be back in a moment."
"The experiment was completed in a moment."
A particular point in time; a significant point in time.
'moʊmənt
A specific point in time.
That was a very important moment in history.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're at a party and something super cool happens. That exact second, when everyone's laughing? That's a 'moment'! It's a special time.
👶 For kids: A moment is a special time when something important happens.
More Examples
This is a defining moment for the company.
It was a magical moment under the moonlight.
How It's Used
"This was a pivotal moment in the war."
"It was a very emotional moment for me."
Importance or significance.
'moʊmənt
The decision was of great moment.
💡 Simply: Imagine something is really, really important, like winning the game. The 'moment' is like that winning feeling, a feeling that it really matters.
👶 For kids: It means something is super important! Like when you get a big present!
More Examples
The events had a lasting moment.
He recognized the moment of the situation.
How It's Used
"The outcome of the vote is of great moment."
"The situation at the time has moment."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
in a moment
Very soon; after a short time.
"I'll be back in a moment."
at the moment
Currently; at this time.
"I'm busy at the moment."
the moment of truth
A crucial or decisive point when a significant outcome is determined.
"The election was the moment of truth."
From Middle English *moment, from Old French moment (13th c.), from Latin momentum ('movement, impulse, importance'), from *movimentum*, from movere ('to move').
The word "moment" has been used since the 13th century, initially referring to a very short interval of time and eventually to a specific point or importance.
Memory tip
Think of a 'mini-mint' – a small, quick burst of freshness. A 'moment' is like that, a small, quick burst of time.
Word Origin
"movement, impulse, importance"