momentous
Meaning: Of great importance or significance, especially in terms of its likely effect on future events.
Momentous describes decisions, events, or occasions that carry lasting consequences and mark significant turning points. It implies weight, gravity, and historical importance without necessarily being dramatic — a momentous decision may be reached quietly. The term is favoured in political, historical, and journalistic writing. It collocates with 'momentous occasion', 'momentous decision', 'momentous event', and 'momentous day'.
Examples
- The signing of the peace accord was a momentous occasion witnessed by heads of state from across the continent. 和平协定的签署是一个重大事件,大陆各国元首共同见证了这一时刻。La firma del acuerdo de paz fue una ocasión trascendental presenciada por jefes de Estado de todo el continente.和平協定の調印は大陸各国の首脳が見届けた重大な出来事であった。평화 협정의 서명은 대륙 각국의 국가 원수들이 지켜본 중대한 행사였다.
- After months of deliberation, the board took the momentous decision to relocate the company's headquarters from London to Manchester. 经过数月的审议,董事会做出了将公司总部从伦敦迁至曼彻斯特的重大决定。Tras meses de deliberación, la junta directiva tomó la trascendental decisión de trasladar la sede de la empresa de Londres a Mánchester.数か月の審議を経て、取締役会は本社をロンドンからマンチェスターに移転するという重大な決定を下した。수개월간의 심의 끝에 이사회는 본사를 런던에서 맨체스터로 이전하는 중대한 결정을 내렸다.
- Historians regard the passage of the Reform Act as a momentous step in the expansion of British democracy. 历史学家将《改革法案》的通过视为英国民主扩展过程中的重大一步。Los historiadores consideran la aprobación de la Ley de Reforma como un paso trascendental en la ampliación de la democracia británica.歴史家たちは選挙法改正の成立を、英国民主主義の拡大における重大な一歩と見なしている。역사학자들은 선거법 개정의 통과를 영국 민주주의 확대에 있어 중대한 한 걸음으로 평가하고 있다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, political, media, historical
Tone: elevated
Origin & History
From Latin momentum meaning 'movement, importance, moment,' from movere meaning 'to move.' The adjective 'momentous' appeared in English in the mid-17th century, emphasising the weight and consequence of a moment.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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