Meaning of the Word
Crucial refers to something that is extremely important, essential, or decisive in determining the outcome or success of a situation.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- Extremely important or necessary for achieving a particular result.
- Critical in the sense of having a decisive effect on a situation or outcome.
- Indispensable or vital for the proper functioning or success of something.
- Involving a crucial decision or turning point in a process or event.
History and Origin
The word “crucial” comes from the Latin crux, meaning “cross,” which is associated with something that is pivotal or central. In the 17th century, “crucial” began to be used metaphorically to refer to something essential or decisive, with the idea that it is at the “crossroads” of a critical decision or moment. Over time, it evolved to describe anything of great importance, especially in determining the success or failure of an outcome.
Detailed Explanation
When something is described as crucial, it means that it plays a key role in determining the course or outcome of an event or situation. It suggests that the matter at hand is of great significance, and without addressing or considering it, success or resolution may be unattainable. “Crucial” can be used in various contexts, such as in decision-making, actions, or events that have a decisive impact. It is often synonymous with words like vital, essential, or critical, but with a focus on the importance of a specific moment or factor in achieving a desired result.
Example Sentences
- The manager’s decision was crucial in determining the success of the project.
- Timing is crucial when delivering a speech to ensure you keep the audience’s attention.
- A crucial part of the plan was missing, which led to the failure of the operation.
- The weather conditions will be crucial for the success of the outdoor event.
- It is crucial that we meet the deadline to avoid delaying the product launch.
- His opinion was crucial in helping the team make the right decision.
- A crucial meeting is scheduled for tomorrow to discuss the future of the company.
- The research findings were crucial in shaping the new policy.
- The crucial moment came when they had to choose between two equally important options.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Critical: Essential or decisive, especially in determining the outcome of something.
- Vital: Necessary for life or functioning; extremely important.
- Essential: Absolutely necessary; crucial for success or functioning.
- Indispensable: So important that it cannot be done without.
- Key: Central or important in achieving a result; crucial to success.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Decisive: Having the power to determine the outcome or conclusion of something.
- Important: Significant or valuable in a general sense, often used interchangeably with crucial.
- Pivotal: Of critical importance in influencing the outcome of a situation.
- Imperative: Something that is urgent or essential, typically requiring immediate action.
- Significant: Of great importance or value in a specific context.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Turning point: A moment or event that has a significant effect on the direction or outcome of something.
- Breakthrough: A decisive or crucial development in progress.
- Game-changer: An event or factor that significantly alters the course of a situation.
- Make-or-break: A situation that will either lead to success or failure, dependent on a crucial factor.
- Cornerstone: The fundamental or most important part of something on which other things are built.
Antonyms
- Insignificant: Not important or meaningful; the opposite of crucial.
- Trivial: Of little importance or significance; unimportant.
- Irrelevant: Not related or important to the current situation or decision.
- Unnecessary: Not needed or essential in the context.
- Secondary: Less important or not central to the main issue or outcome.