THE WORDCRAFT DEFINITION DICTIONARY
pivotal
adjective
Crucially important to the development or outcome of something.
Local English device voice, when available. This is not a recorded dictionary pronunciation.
SEE IT IN USE
Examples in context
The discovery of the missing letter was pivotal to the historian's argument.
The contribution was pivotal; without it, we would have failed.
1 more example
The source check was pivotal because one central quotation had been attributed incorrectly. After the writer corrected it, the editors could assess the essay on an accurate basis and explain their decision clearly.
Notice how the same meaning carries into different situations. Try explaining what the word contributes to each example.
Related meanings
Related words can differ in tone and context; they are not always interchangeable.
Compare the full synonym referenceMAKE IT YOURS
Write your own sentence
Use "pivotal" in a situation you might actually discuss. Compare your meaning with the definition above.
Personal practice. Sentences are saved locally and are not automatically graded.
READ THIS WORD IN CONTEXT
Included in the learning path
What Deserves Our Attention?Reading 1 / Open lessonAPPLY IT AND RETURN
Build a retention record for this word.
Use its lesson question and fresh-context checkpoint on separate days. Your browser can track the evidence for a retention milestone.
How the milestone worksAbout this entry
This entry is part of the vocabulary collection supplied by GlobalRPh. Definitions are concise study meanings. Examples combine original teaching sentences with selected passages adapted from the supplied study notes; their source is labeled beside each example. A word may have additional specialized or historical senses.
Adapted from supplied vocabulary notes. Example written for WordCraft.
Source study sections: B, 1, 13, 19.
Dictionary scope and sources