First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
moment
noun mo·ment \ˈmō-mənt\
: a very short period of time
: a particular time : a precise point in time
: the present time
Full Definition of MOMENT
1
a : a minute portion or point of time : instant b : a comparatively brief period of time
2
a : present time b : a time of excellence or conspicuousness
3
: importance in influence or effect
4
obsolete : a cause or motive of action
5
: a stage in historical or logical development
6
a : tendency or measure of tendency to produce motion especially about a point or axis b : the product of quantity (as a force) and the distance to a particular axis or point
7
a : the mean of the nth powers of the deviations of the observed values in a set of statistical data from a fixed value b : the expected value of a power of the deviation of a random variable from a fixed value
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Origin of MOMENT
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin momentum movement, particle sufficient to turn the scales, moment, from movēre to move
Related to MOMENT
- Antonyms
- insignificance, littleness, puniness, slightness, smallness, triviality
Synonym Discussion of MOMENT
importance, consequence, moment, weight, significance mean a quality or aspect having great worth or significance. importance implies a value judgment of the superior worth or influence of something or someone <a region with no cities of importance>. consequence generally implies importance because of probable or possible effects <the style you choose is of little consequence>. moment implies conspicuous or self-evident consequence <a decision of great moment>. weight implies a judgment of the immediate relative importance of something <the argument carried no weight with the judge>. significance implies a quality or character that should mark a thing as important but that is not self-evident and may or may not be recognized <the treaty's significance>.
MOMENT Defined for Kids
moment
noun mo·ment \ˈmō-mənt\
Definition of MOMENT for Kids
1
: a very brief time <A shooting star lasts only a moment.>
2
: present time <I'm busy at the moment.>
3
: importance <We met to discuss a subject of great moment.>
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