The word "momentous" (moh-MEN-tuhs) is spelled with a "momen" root, derived from the Latin word "momentum," meaning "movement." The "-ous" suffix indicates that something is filled with, characterized by, or having a quality of. Thus, "momentous" means having great importance or significance. This word can be pronounced with stress on the first or second syllable, depending on the speaker's preference: moh-MEN-tuhs or MOH-muhnt-uhs. Regardless of the pronunciation, the spelling of this word remains the same.
The term "momentous" is an adjective that is used to describe an event, action, or decision that is of great significance, importance, or consequence. It refers to something that is momentous or momentous in nature, indicating that it is impactful, substantial, or weighty in a particular context.
When something is described as momentous, it implies that it carries a profound effect or has a significant influence on a situation, a person's life, or a larger scale occurrence. These impactful events are typically seen as remarkable, groundbreaking, or life-altering in some way. The magnitude of the event or its potential consequences can be such that it may leave a lasting impression, shape history, or significantly shift the course of things.
Momentous events can range from fundamental historical occurrences, major scientific breakthroughs, important legal decisions, significant policy changes, transformative inventions, to impactful personal matters such as a life-changing career move, a momentous decision to get married, or a life-altering health diagnosis.
In summary, "momentous" is an adjective that is used to describe events, actions, or decisions that are of great importance, impact, or consequence, often having a profound effect on history, people's lives, or specific spheres of influence.
Important; weighty; of great consequence.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* 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.
The word "momentous" comes from the Latin word "momentum", which means "movement". In Latin, "momentum" referred to a time or a short duration. Over time, the word "momentous" evolved from its Latin root to the Middle French word "momentus", meaning "of great importance". Eventually, it entered the English language with the same meaning.