Words / B2

m-uh-MENT-uh-s/məˈmentəs/

Momentous means very important because of its future effect: a momentous vote; a momentous decision. Important is everyday; historic stresses lasting fame. A momentous vote still needs turnout. Mix-up: moment is a short time (already in the dictionary); momentary means lasting a moment. Do not write momentous for a short delay.

Meaning

Very important because of its effect on the future.

Examples

• “A momentous vote still needs a recorded turnout.”
• “The treaty was momentous for the border, which is the lasting-effect sense.”

Good to know

a momentous + noun; momentously. Everyday: important. Trap: moment / momentary. History, politics, and news. Huge in consequence, not “brief”.

Near in meaning

historic

New