Pronunciation: [d͡ʒˈʌŋkt͡ʃəz] (IPA) 
The word "junctures" is spelled with a silent "c". This means that the "c" is not pronounced and serves only to indicate the hard "k" sound in the word. The IPA phonetic transcription for "junctures" is /ˈdʒʌŋktʃərz/. The first syllable is pronounced with a "j" sound, followed by a hard "k" sound, and then the final syllable ends with the sound "ərz." The word "junctures" refers to a point of connection or transition.
Junctures refer to critical points or moments in time where events, circumstances, or decisions converge and have a significant impact on an outcome or trajectory. This term can be used in various contexts, including social, economic, political, and personal spheres.
In a social context, junctures can refer to pivotal moments in history or periods of significant change, such as revolutions, wars, or social movements that can reshape society's norms and values. These junctures often mark a turning point where new paths can be forged and old paradigms challenged.
Economically, junctures can signify periods of economic crisis or transition, where factors such as market conditions, technological advancements, or policy changes can lead to significant shifts in industries or economic structures.
In politics, junctures can represent critical moments in elections, policy-making, or international relations, where decisions or events can have far-reaching implications for the political landscape, power dynamics, or diplomatic relations between nations.
At a personal level, junctures refer to crucial moments in an individual's life that may present opportunities, challenges, or turning points. These junctures could include career decisions, relationships, or personal growth experiences that can profoundly shape one's trajectory and future outcomes.
Overall, junctures embody the notion of significant conjunctions or crossroads, often characterized by outcomes that have lasting impacts on individuals, communities, or societies as a whole.
The word juncture traces its etymology back to Latin. The noun junctura meant a joint or a joining together in Latin. It is derived from the verb jungere, which means to join or to unite. Over time, this word was adopted into Middle English as juncture, which maintained the same meaning. The plural form of juncture is junctures.
