adj
momentous
moh-MEHN-tuhs
Momentous (adj) means of great importance, especially because of lasting consequences. Example: “Signing the peace treaty was a momentous occasion for both nations.”
adj
1
Of great importance, especially because of lasting consequences.
"What to the other parties was merely the sale of a ship was to him a momentous event involving a radically new view of existence."
— Joseph Conrad (1902)
"Natural selection is arguably the most momentous idea ever to occur to a human mind, because it — alone as far as we know — explains the elegant illusion of design that pervades the living kingdoms and explains, in passing, us."
— Richard Dawkins, Inferior Design (2007)
"Signing the peace treaty was a momentous occasion for both nations."
"She made the momentous decision to leave her job and start a business."
How to use momentous
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHugely important or significant, often marking a turning point.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "momentary" (brief) — momentous is about importance, not duration.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
momentous occasion
momentous decision
momentous event
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more momentous
- Superlative
- most momentous
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Signing the peace treaty was a _____ occasion for both nations.
Etymology
From "moment" in the older sense of "weight, importance," plus the adjective suffix "-ous."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for momentous
See all rhymes for momentous →Frequently asked questions
What does “momentous” mean?
The word “momentous” means of great importance, especially because of lasting consequences. In plain terms, hugely important or significant, often marking a turning point.
How do you pronounce “momentous”?
“Momentous” is pronounced moh-MEHN-tuhs (/moʊˈmɛn.təs/ in IPA).
How do you use “momentous” in a sentence?
Here is “momentous” used in a sentence: “Signing the peace treaty was a momentous occasion for both nations.”
What part of speech is “momentous”?
“Momentous” is an adjective.
