momentousmo‧men‧tous /məʊˈmentəs, mə- $ moʊ-, mə-/ adjective 
a momentous decision Momentous events are taking place in the US. His colleagues all recognized that this was a momentous occasion. one of the most momentous days in British sport► see thesaurus at important
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- a momentous shift in policy
- At the time, our department was going through some momentous changes.
- At this point William made a momentous decision -- he resigned from his job and joined the army.
- The revolution taking place in eastern Europe must be counted as one of the most momentous events of this century.
- Able leaders inspire groups engaged in less momentous projects as well.
- At first the momentous events unfolding in Rome seemed barely relevant.
- Henceforth she must carry on from where she had started that momentous morning in Goddy's office.
- In the physical sciences alone, there were momentous changes.
- Indeed, 1989 was a momentous year.
- Something momentous was bound to happen soon.
- Such a thing would have momentous implications.
THESAURUSvery important
very important, especially for the success, health, or safety of someone or something: · It is essential to speak the local language.· essential supplies of food and clothing
extremely important, because without it there could be serious problems: · His evidence was vital to the case.· The US plays a crucial role in the region.· The media are a vital part of the political system.
extremely important and having a big effect: · Wheeler had a key role in the development of the atom bomb.· Timing is key.
very important: · In the construction industry, health and safety are of considerable importance.
very important because it has a very great effect on the future: · Momentous events were taking place in Russia.· a momentous decision
Longman Language Activatorsomething that is important something that is important has a big effect on people's lives and on the way things will happen: · Next Thursday's game is very important - if Italy lose they will be out of the World Cup.· I have an important announcement to make, so please listen carefully.· She didn't realize how important schoolwork was until it was too late.
one of the most important or serious things - use this especially when there is a small number of very important things, but a larger number of less important things: · Smoking is a major cause of heart disease· All the world's major sporting events can be seen on HHS TV.· It's the chief executive who makes all the major decisions.
: big decision/event/occasion/day etc an important decision, event etc, especially one that will influence or affect the rest of your life: · This is a big decision - you'll have to give me time to think.· Graduation Day is one of those big occasions when everyone wants a souvenir photograph.the big day especially spoken (=a very important day in someone's life): · I hear you're getting married - when's the big day?
: key role/factor/issue etc someone or something that has an extremely important effect on the way something develops: · Education is likely to be a key issue in the forthcoming election.· The key person in this project will be the design manager.· He held a key position in the Bush administration.
important enough to be noticed and considered and to make a difference to a situation: · There has been a significant change in people's attitude to the environment.· Winning the award was a significant achievement.· a significant new discovery, which will improve our understanding of the AIDS virus
important: of some/great/major etc importance: · This battle was of great importance.· They suddenly became silent, listening as if what he said was of the greatest importance.of no/not of any importance: · Nothing of any importance was agreed at their meeting.
a historic event, moment etc is remembered as a part of history because it brings important changes that affect a situation for a long time: · the historic moment when Nelson Mandela was released from prison· In his book, Churchill describes that historic first meeting with Roosevelt.
: momentous event/decision/occasion etc something that is very important because it has a very great effect or influence on future events: · At this point William made a momentous decision -- he resigned from his job and joined the army.· The revolution taking place in eastern Europe must be counted as one of the most momentous events of this century.
a time or situation that is critical is extremely important and possibly dangerous because your future will depend on what happens or is decided at that time: · These accusations came at a critical phase in the negotiations.critical for: · The next few months could be critical for the whole mining industry.
an important time or event in someone's life, in history, in the development of knowledge etc, especially one that is the beginning of great improvements: · Getting my first part in a movie was a major landmark in my life.· This new drug is a landmark in the treatment of cancer.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY a momentous decision Momentous events are taking place in the US. His colleagues all recognized that this was a momentous occasion.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES
a momentous decision Momentous events are taking place in the US. His colleagues all recognized that this was a momentous occasion. (=very important)· the momentous events of 9/11
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB· In the long term, this final measure was the most momentous of all.
NOUN· In the physical sciences alone, there were momentous changes.· Yet the treaty of 1259 did introduce a momentous change into the relations between the two powers.
· Within a decade, she was making momentous decisions about the Pentagon Papers and Watergate.· So he made what turned out to be a momentous decision.· This was to be a momentous decision although he did not know it at the time.· We stand on the brink of two momentous decisions at Maastricht.· Yet Major did not choose to discuss the momentous decision he was about to take with his wife.· It was as if she had made her decision, her momentous decision to marry, sleepwalking.· At the age of two, a male makes a momentous decision-whether to become adult or to stay young.
· It was in Glasgow, however, that many momentous events were taking place.· Now, they can savor a momentous event of their own.· Meanwhile a momentous event took place in the lobby.· The general opinion was that comets were immaterial, spiritual portents sent by the Creator as warnings about impending momentous events.· All were momentous events that will never be forgotten, least of all by the men and women who fought in them.· At first the momentous events unfolding in Rome seemed barely relevant.· Most of the work for this momentous event was carried out by a sub-committee for which no records exist.· We feel uneasy at momentous events.
· His colleagues' all recognized that this was a momentous occasion.· Of course there are many questions about how we interpret these lists of letters, but it's a momentous occasion.
WORD FAMILYnounmomentmomentumadjectivemomentarymomentousadverbmomentarily
a momentous event, change, or decision is very important because it will have a great influence on the future: a momentous decision Momentous events are taking place in the US. His colleagues all recognized that this was a momentous occasion. one of the most momentous days in British sport► see thesaurus at important- thousand
- Thousand and One Nights
- thousandth
- thraldom
- thrall
- thrash
- thrashing
- thread
- threadbare
- threading
- Threadneedle Street
- threat
- threaten
- threatening
- threateningly
- three
- Three Blind Mice
- three-cornered
- three-day event
- three-dimensional
- threefold
- Three Kings
- three-legged race
- three-line whip
- Three Little Pigs, The