pivotal
Meaning: Of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something; serving as the central point on which everything else depends.
Pivotal describes a turning point, decision, or element that fundamentally determines the outcome of events. It derives from 'pivot,' the fixed point around which something turns, and retains that sense of centrality. The term is widely used in business, politics, sport, and historical analysis. It collocates with 'pivotal role', 'pivotal moment', 'pivotal decision', and 'pivotal figure'.
Examples
- The Battle of Stalingrad proved to be the pivotal engagement of the Eastern Front, after which the strategic initiative shifted decisively. 斯大林格勒战役被证明是东线的关键战役,此后战略主动权发生了决定性的转移。La batalla de Stalingrado resultó ser el enfrentamiento pivotal del Frente Oriental, tras el cual la iniciativa estratégica cambió de forma decisiva.スターリングラードの戦いは東部戦線における決定的な戦闘であり、これを境に戦略的主導権が大きく移動した。스탈린그라드 전투는 동부 전선의 결정적 교전으로 판명되었으며, 이를 기점으로 전략적 주도권이 크게 이동했다.
- She played a pivotal role in the merger negotiations, brokering the compromise that secured the agreement. 她在合并谈判中发挥了关键作用,促成了确保协议达成的妥协方案。Desempeñó un papel pivotal en las negociaciones de la fusión, mediando el compromiso que garantizó el acuerdo.彼女は合併交渉において要の役割を果たし、合意を確保する妥協案を仲介した。그녀는 합병 협상에서 핵심적 역할을 수행하여 합의를 이끌어낸 타협안을 중재했다.
- The pivotal moment of the match came in the 78th minute, when a controversial penalty decision swung the momentum in favour of the visitors. 比赛的关键时刻出现在第78分钟,一个有争议的点球判罚使势头转向了客队。El momento pivotal del partido llegó en el minuto 78, cuando una controvertida decisión de penalti inclinó la balanza a favor de los visitantes.試合の決定的瞬間は78分に訪れた。物議を醸すPK判定がアウェーチーム側に流れを変えた。경기의 결정적 순간은 78분에 찾아왔다. 논란이 된 페널티킥 판정이 원정팀 쪽으로 흐름을 바꾸었다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, professional, media, political
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From 'pivot,' borrowed from French pivot meaning 'a hinge, a turning point,' of uncertain earlier origin (possibly from a Gallo-Romance word for 'peg' or 'tooth of a comb'). The adjective 'pivotal' appeared in English in the mid-19th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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