noun
moment
Importance or significance.
The council considers a matter of great moment today.
Etymology
Latin momentum included an influence that could turn a balance. From that image of consequential weight, moment developed the sense of importance or significance.
More examples
- It was a decision of little moment.
- They recognized the moment of the occasion.
- The choice had considerable moment for the town.
Forms
moment
Similar words
- importance
- The usual modern term rather than formal moment.