Momentous

/məˈmɛntəs/

adjectivemedium📊CommonImportance
1 meaning3 questions

Definitions

1

Having great importance or consequence.

/məˈmɛntəs/

adjectivepositivemedium
Importance

Of great importance or significance, especially regarding its effect on the future.

The discovery of penicillin was a momentous event in medical history.

💡 Simply: Imagine something super important, like when you finally get to eat pizza after a long day. That feeling, and that pizza, are both momentous!

👶 For kids: A momentous thing is a big, important thing that you will remember.

More Examples

2

The company's decision to merge with its competitor was a momentous strategic move.

3

Their wedding day was a momentous occasion for the entire family.

4

The momentous nature of the situation required careful consideration.

How It's Used

Historical

"The signing of the Declaration of Independence was a momentous occasion."

Political

"The election result was a momentous turning point in the country's history."

Personal

"Graduation is a momentous achievement in someone's life."

Synonyms & Antonyms

From Latin *momentosus* ("of importance, momentous"), from *momentum* ("moment, importance").

Used since the early 17th century to describe events or actions of great consequence.

Memory tip

Think of a monument – something that marks a significant event. "Momentous" events are just as remarkable.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"of or having to do with importance"

momentous occasionmomentous eventmomentous decisionmomentous achievement

Common misspellings

momentusmomenteous

Usage

30%Spoken
70%Written