momentous

/məˈmentəs/ (bre, ipa) · /məʊˈmentəs/ (ame, ipa) · /mō-ˈmen-təs mə-/ (ame, mw)

momentous — adjective

  • momentouspositive
  • more momentouscomparative
  • most momentoussuperlative

1. carrying so much weight that what follows—a decision, day, or change—is likely t

1.形容詞C1
釋義

carrying so much weight that what follows—a decision, day, or change—is likely to shape lives or history for a long time afterward.

例句

Nellie called her grandfather to share the momentous news of her acceptance to medical school.

attributive: a momentous + abstract noun (news, decision)

Signing the peace treaty in Geneva was a momentous step for both governments.

predicative-equivalent: 'a momentous step / moment / occasion'

同義詞
  • historic

    stresses the event will be remembered in history

  • consequential

    neutral, formal; focuses on the chain of effects

  • weighty

    often of decisions or matters needing serious thought

  • epoch-making

    very formal; the event opens a new era

反義詞

文法句型

a momentous + noun

be + momentous

用法筆記

Almost always modifies abstract nouns of change or significance — decision, day, occasion, event, news, step, moment. Rare with concrete objects ('a momentous book' sounds odd unless the book itself caused a historical shift). Speakers reach for 'momentous' when 'important' feels too small.

常見錯誤

❌I had a momentous lunch with my friend.
✅I had a memorable lunch with my friend.
💡'momentous' implies long-term historical or life-shaping weight, not just a nice personal experience.
❌The room was momentous.
✅The room was magnificent.
💡do not confuse with 'monumental' meaning physically grand; 'momentous' is about consequence, not size.