1
Consequential decision
A choice important enough to alter later events, institutions, or lives.
Example
The court's momentous decision altered national law for generations.
momentous
/məˈmentəs/ · muh-MEN-tuhsadjective
Very important or significant.
Use momentous for a decision, event, or occasion whose consequences are unusually important or lasting.
What momentous Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Historic event
An occurrence remembered because of its large and lasting significance.
Example
The first successful transmission was a momentous event in communication history.
3
Important achievement
An accomplishment that represents a major advance or turning point.
Example
The treaty was a momentous achievement in regional diplomacy.
Use momentous Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The treaty was a momentous achievement in regional diplomacy.
The discovery proved momentous because it changed the direction of genetic research.
Delegates understood that the vote could become a momentous turning point.
Precision Matters
Momentous overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
momentous
vs.Suggests exceptional significance and lasting consequences.
important
Broadly means having value, influence, or relevance.
momentous
vs.Describes significance whether or not history has yet judged it.
historic
Usually describes something important in or likely to be remembered by history.
momentous
vs.Highlights the importance of an event, occasion, or decision.
profound
Highlights depth, intensity, or far-reaching effect.
momentous
vs.Means highly significant, not brief.
momentary
Means lasting only a very short time.
Test momentous in Context
The ruling has exceptional and lasting significance.
1
The court's ruling was ___: it not only settled the immediate dispute but also reshaped national law for several generations.