At that moment Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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at that moment

[æt ðæt ˈmoʊ.mənt ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Phrase}

time

At that moment is used to refer to a particular point in time.

Synonyms

at that instant, at that time.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
at that moment	This phrase is often used to describe a specific point in time when an event or realization happened. It emphasizes the exactness of the timing. At that moment, she realized she had forgotten her keys. He knew he had won the race at that moment.
at that time	This phrase is used for a more general reference to a period in the past. It doesn't highlight a second or precise moment but rather a general timeframe. At that time, I was living in New York. She was working very hard at that time.
at that instant	This phrase stresses an even more precise and fleeting point in time compared to 'at that moment'. It is typically used when describing something that happened very quickly. At that instant, the lights went out. She dropped the glass and at that instant, it shattered.

Word

Description / Examples

at that moment

This phrase is often used to describe a specific point in time when an event or realization happened. It emphasizes the exactness of the timing.

At that moment, she realized she had forgotten her keys.
He knew he had won the race at that moment.

at that time

This phrase is used for a more general reference to a period in the past. It doesn't highlight a second or precise moment but rather a general timeframe.

At that time, I was living in New York.
She was working very hard at that time.

at that instant

This phrase stresses an even more precise and fleeting point in time compared to 'at that moment'. It is typically used when describing something that happened very quickly.

At that instant, the lights went out.
She dropped the glass and at that instant, it shattered.

Examples of usage

At that moment, I realized I had made a mistake.
She paused for a moment, then continued speaking.
He arrived at that moment when everyone was leaving.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

This phrase is often used in storytelling to create suspense or highlight a turning point in the plot.
Well-known authors like Ernest Hemingway and Virginia Woolf used similar phrases to emphasize characters’ decisions.
In poetry, 'at that moment' can evoke strong emotions, capturing the essence of a fleeting experience.

Psychology

The phrase relates to 'present moment awareness,' a core aspect of mindfulness practices focusing on living in the now.
Research shows that recalling significant moments triggers emotional memories, enhancing personal storytelling.
People often describe life-changing experiences using this phrase, indicating a clear before and after timeline.

Pop Culture

In films, 'at that moment' serves as a crucial narrative device to signify a character's realization or decision.
Popular songs often reference moments to evoke memories of love, heartbreak, or change, making them relatable.
Social media trends often capture 'that moment' with viral videos or memes, representing shared human experiences.

Science

In physics, the concept of a 'moment' is vital for understanding instantaneous phenomena in mechanics.
Scientific studies explore how significant moments impact decision-making, showing the brain’s reaction to time-sensitive choices.
This phrase can also refer to the 'moment of inertia' in physics, emphasizing the importance of time in physical movement.

Origin of 'at that moment'

Main points about word origin

The phrase originates from Middle English, where 'moment' referred to a brief period of time.
In Latin, 'momentum' meant 'movement' or 'instant' related to the idea of time passing quickly.
As language evolved, 'at that moment' became a common expression in English literature to denote a pivotal event.

The origin of the phrase 'at that moment' can be traced back to Middle English, where 'at' and 'that' were used to indicate a specific time period. Over time, the phrase has become a common expression in English to pinpoint a particular point in time during a narrative or conversation.