crucial

cru·cial

adj \ˈkrü-shəl\

Definition of CRUCIAL

1

archaic : cruciform

2

a : important or essential as resolving a crisis : decisive b : marked by final determination of a doubtful issue <the crucial game of a series> c : important, significant <what use we make of them will be the crucial question — Stanley Kubrick>

Examples of CRUCIAL

1. Vitamins are crucial for maintaining good health.
2. It's crucial that we arrive before 8 o'clock.
3. Teachers are crucial to the success of the school.
4. She played a crucial role in the meeting.

Origin of CRUCIAL

French, from Latin cruc-, crux cross

First Known Use: 1706

Related to CRUCIAL

Synonyms: critical, key, pivotal, vital

Related Words: decisive, life-and-death (also life-or-death), weighty; basic, elementary, fundamental; essential, indispensable, necessary, requisite; pressing, urgent

Near Antonyms: inconsequential, insignificant, minor, trivial, unimportant

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See Synonym Discussion at acute