Pivotal
ˈpɪvətəl
Definitions
Being of crucial importance; central; essential.
ˈpɪvətəl
Critically important or essential.
The invention of the printing press was a pivotal event in the spread of knowledge.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're building a Lego tower. If you're adding that one brick that's the *only* thing holding the whole tower up - THAT'S pivotal! It's super important!
👶 For kids: When something is super important, like the most important part of a game or story, it's pivotal.
More Examples
Her research provided pivotal evidence supporting the theory.
The agreement was seen as pivotal for peace negotiations.
How It's Used
"The CEO's decision was pivotal to the company's future."
"The Battle of Gettysburg was a pivotal moment in the American Civil War."
"The senator played a pivotal role in passing the legislation."
Synonyms
From Middle French 'pivot' (pivot, hinge), ultimately from Latin 'pivus' (pivot, turning point). The suffix '-al' is added to form an adjective.
Used in historical texts to emphasize key events or turning points that shifted narratives.