defining moment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defining moment" is both correct and usable in written English.
Generally speaking, it refers to a moment in time that has a lasting impact on how a person, situation, or event is remembered and viewed. For example: The moment they settled their dispute was a defining moment in their relationship, changing the way they interacted with each other from that point on.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Listen to Basra: Defining Moment?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Politics|Julián Castro Needs a Defining Moment.

The New York Times

Defining moment?

BBC

Binning, P., "Defining Moment's in NRL's Project Vanguard," Proceedings of AAS/AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, Galveston, TX., 2008.

Johns Hopkins University

This album is a career defining moment.

Vice

The New York Times blares: In Health Care Fight, Defining Moment Nears for President.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Defining moments".

The Guardian - Sport

Corporate chieftains love "defining moments".

The Economist

These were defining moments for me.

The Times

One of those defining moments is the Popsicle Hotline.

Stanford University

This nation has reached another of those defining moments.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "defining moment" to highlight events that fundamentally alter the course of a situation or reveal essential characteristics. Ensure the context clearly establishes the significance of the moment.

Common error

Avoid using "defining moment" for minor events or those lacking lasting impact. Overusing the phrase diminishes its power and weakens your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defining moment" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a specific instance that fundamentally shapes understanding or direction, as evidenced by Ludwig AI's assessment and the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "defining moment" is a powerful way to describe a pivotal event that significantly alters a situation or perception. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. While relatively uncommon, its impact is undeniable when used appropriately. Remember to reserve it for events of genuine significance, avoiding overuse that diminishes its effect. Semantically related alternatives like "pivotal moment" or "watershed moment" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. As evidenced by the examples, "defining moment" often appears in news, academic, and formal settings, highlighting its versatility in describing impactful turning points.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pivotal moment

Emphasizes the turning point aspect, suggesting a change in direction or outcome.

watershed moment

Highlights a significant event that marks a clear division or turning point.

critical juncture

Focuses on the decisiveness and importance of the moment for future outcomes.

turning point

Directly indicates a moment of significant change or reversal.

decisive event

Highlights the conclusive or determinative nature of the event.

key milestone

Highlights a significant achievement in a progression of events.

landmark event

Emphasizes the historical importance and memorability of the event.

inflection point

Similar to turning point, often used in more technical or analytical contexts.

moment of truth

Suggests a moment where a person or situation is tested and revealed.

crucial instance

Indicates the importance of a very specific point in time.

FAQs

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

Use "defining moment" to describe a specific point in time that significantly alters a situation, relationship, or understanding. For example, "The election result was a "defining moment" for the country's political landscape".

What are some alternatives to "defining moment"?

You can use alternatives like "pivotal moment", "watershed moment", or "turning point" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "defining moment" in formal writing?

Yes, "defining moment" is suitable for formal writing as long as it accurately and appropriately describes the significance of the event. Consider the formality of alternatives like "critical juncture" for very formal contexts.

What makes a moment truly "defining"?

A "defining moment" is characterized by its lasting impact and ability to reshape perspectives or outcomes. It's not just a significant event, but one that alters the trajectory or understanding of something.