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Crucial Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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crucial

[ˈkruːʃ(ə)l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

important

Extremely important or necessary; essential. Crucial decisions need to be made.

Synonyms

critical, essential, key, pivotal, vital.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
crucial

Use in situations where something is extremely important and could determine the outcome of a situation. Often used in formal settings or discussions.

  • It is crucial to submit the report by the end of the day.
  • The support of the community was crucial to the success of the project.
critical

Used when something is both very important and needs immediate attention. Often found in contexts involving evaluation, crisis, or analysis.

  • The patient is in critical condition.
  • It is critical to address these issues before they escalate.
vital

Used when referring to something that is absolutely necessary and significant for the success or survival of something. Appropriate in both formal and informal discussions.

  • Good nutrition is vital for healthy development.
  • It is vital to follow the safety procedures.
essential

Often employed when talking about something absolutely necessary or fundamentally important. Widely used in both formal and informal contexts.

  • Water is essential for life.
  • It is essential to wear a seatbelt while driving.
key

Used to highlight the most important element or factor in a situation. Suitable for both casual and formal conversations.

  • Communication is the key to a successful relationship.
  • He played a key role in the negotiations.
pivotal

Describes something that is so important that it can change the direction or outcome of a situation. Primarily used in formal contexts.

  • The discovery was a pivotal moment in the history of science.
  • She took on a pivotal role in the campaign.

Examples of usage

  • This document contains crucial information for the investigation.
  • His role in the project was crucial for its success.
Context #2 | Adjective

decisive

Having a decisive or critical importance in the success, failure, or existence of something. The crucial moment in the game.

Synonyms

critical, decisive, key, pivotal, vital.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
crucial

When something is extremely important for the outcome of a situation.

  • It's crucial to submit the report by the end of the day
  • Timely decisions are crucial during a crisis
critical

Used in situations where something is at a threshold of importance, often indicating a turning point or a situation requiring immediate attention.

  • The patient's condition is critical and requires immediate medical intervention
  • It's critical to double-check all the calculations before the launch
decisive

When something has the power to determine the final result of an event or situation.

  • The decisive match will determine the league champion
  • Her decisive stance in the meeting led to the project's approval
vital

When something is absolutely necessary or essential for life or success.

  • Water is vital for all known forms of life
  • It's vital to have strong passwords to protect your accounts
pivotal

When something is of utmost importance and forms a turning point.

  • This meeting could be pivotal for our future strategy
  • The discovery was a pivotal moment in the field of medicine
key

When something is fundamental or central to achieving an outcome.

  • Consistency is key to mastering any skill
  • He played a key role in the success of the campaign

Examples of usage

  • Her support was crucial in getting the project approved.
  • The crucial factor in their decision was cost.

Translations

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

Origin of 'crucial'

The word 'crucial' originated from the Latin word 'crux', meaning 'cross'. In medieval times, 'crucial' referred to the crossroads of a town, where important decisions were made. Over time, the meaning evolved to signify the importance of critical decisions and moments.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,580, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.