a defining instant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a defining instant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a moment that significantly shapes or influences a situation or a person's life. Example: "The moment she received the acceptance letter was a defining instant in her academic journey."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The red-walled room they are in emphasises the intimacy of the moment, as the youth poses patiently and Harry seeks that perfect, defining instant of truth.

The Guardian - Opinion

Streamlines are integrated curves that are locally tangential to a defined velocity field at a given instant in time (Datta-Gupta and King 2007 and Thiele et al. 2010) as illustrated in Fig. 1.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

Time is, therefore, the measure not of any specific motion but the measure of motion (DT 42) defined by an instant before and an instant after.

SEP

And not for nothing did Johnny Carson define that instant between a traffic light turning green and the driver behind you honking his horn as the proverbial New York Minute.

The New York Times

On the set of 'parallel lines' a relation corresponding to qualitative identity up to a certain instant is defined.

SEP

When a derivative is defined at a given instant of known time relative to another past instant then of course, past memory is implied in current estimates.

Probability, Uncertainty and Quantitative Risk

Formally, such a time instant is defined as follows: t f = Δ min { t ∈ R 0 + ∣ I ( t ) < δ  for some  0 < δ < 1 }.

Advances in Difference Equations

Grosseteste defines the instant, by which he means the now, as this adherence of being with the at-once of eternity, and likewise defines past and future in terms of this adherence.

SEP

As mentioned earlier, the residual lifetime of a link at a given instant of time is defined as the remaining amount of time during which two vehicles are within the transmission range of each other.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

The following result relative to the existence of a finite time instant t 1 defined as in (4.3) is proven.

Advances in Difference Equations

Combi et al. [ 30] defined graphical symbols that represented a starting/ending instant, and minimum/maximum duration to represent undefined durations.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about historical events, use "a defining instant" to emphasize specific moments that had a lasting impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a defining instant" too frequently within a single piece of writing. Overuse can dilute the phrase's impact. Reserve it for moments of genuine significance to maintain its effectiveness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a defining instant" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, specifying a particular instant as being crucial or determinative. Ludwig shows examples where it highlights a pivotal moment of truth or significant change.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a defining instant" is a phrase used to describe a crucial moment that significantly shapes events or understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct. While less common than "defining moment", it adds emphasis to the immediacy of the impact. It is suitable for use in news, analytical writing and personal narratives, where you wish to highlight a pivotal moment of change or realization. While it is grammatically sound, it's recommended to reserve it for moments of genuine significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a pivotal moment

Replaces 'defining instant' with 'pivotal moment', focusing on the importance of the moment as a turning point.

a turning point

Emphasizes the idea of a shift or change in direction at that specific moment.

a crucial juncture

Highlights the decisiveness and critical nature of the moment.

a watershed moment

Indicates a significant event that marks a clear change of course.

a critical incident

Focuses on the critical or decisive nature of the event.

a decisive moment

Highlights the moment's role in determining a subsequent outcome.

a formative experience

Emphasizes the moment's role in shaping character or future events.

a landmark event

Highlights the historical or significant nature of the event.

a game-changing event

Focuses on how the event dramatically alters the situation.

a life-altering event

Stresses the profound impact the event has on someone's life.

FAQs

How can I use "a defining instant" in a sentence?

You can use "a defining instant" to describe a specific moment that significantly shapes or influences a situation or a person's life. For example: "The moment she received the acceptance letter was "a defining instant" in her academic journey".

What are some alternatives to "a defining instant"?

You can use alternatives like "a pivotal moment", "a turning point", or "a crucial juncture" depending on the context.

Is "defining moment" or "defining instant" more common?

"Defining moment" is generally more common. "A defining instant" emphasizes the immediacy and sudden impact of the event.

In what contexts is "a defining instant" most appropriately used?

The phrase ""a defining instant"" is best used when you want to emphasize the instantaneous and transformative nature of a moment, particularly in narratives or when highlighting a turning point.