How Do You Spell PIVOTAL?

Pronunciation: [pˈɪvətə͡l] (IPA)

Pivotal, a word used to describe something that is of great importance or significance, is spelled phonetically as /ˈpɪv.ə.təl/. The first syllable, pronounced as "piv," is a short "i" sound followed by a "v" sound. The second syllable, pronounced as "uh-tuhl," begins with a schwa sound and ends with a "tuhl" sound. The word is spelled with the letters "p-i-v-o-t-a-l," with emphasis on the second syllable. Accurately spelling words such as pivotal can make a significant difference in effective communication.

Meaning and Definition
Top Common Misspellings
Other Common Misspellings
Etymology
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PIVOTAL Meaning and Definition

  1. Pivotal is an adjective that describes something or someone that holds utmost importance or plays a crucial role in a particular situation, event, or outcome. It refers to being of central significance or critical influence.

    In various contexts, the term pivotal signifies the turning point or crucial moment that determines the success, failure, or overall progression of a situation. It often implies that without the presence or involvement of the pivotal factor, the outcome or trajectory of events would be significantly different.

    The concept of being pivotal applies to a wide range of scenarios. For instance, in a business context, a pivotal employee can be someone who possesses unique skills, knowledge, or capabilities that are vital for the company's success or growth. In a sports game, a pivotal play or moment can refer to a critical event that leads to a team's victory or loss.

    Furthermore, "pivotal" carries the idea of being central or essential towards a larger goal or objective. It denotes a position or role that holds paramount importance in the grand scheme of things. Pivotal individuals often possess the ability to influence or shape the course of events and tend to have a significant impact on the overall outcome.

    Overall, pivotal highlights the indispensable nature or significance of a person, event, or factor that is instrumental in determining the success, direction, or entire outcome of a particular situation or endeavor.

Top Common Misspellings for PIVOTAL *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for PIVOTAL

Etymology of PIVOTAL

The word "pivotal" originates from the noun "pivot", which comes from the Old French word "pivert" or "pivat". This Old French word is derived from the Latin word "pivus" or "pipare", meaning "a spike or pin". The term "pivot" originally referred to the central pin or shaft on which a mechanism turns or oscillates. Over time, "pivotal" emerged as an adjective, first used in English in the mid-19th century, to describe something that is crucial or central to the outcome or success of a situation, just like a pivot is critical to the function of a mechanism.

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