crucial decision
قرار حاسم
Use it for life-changing choices where the outcome has serious, long-term consequences.
15초 만에
- A high-stakes choice that determines future success or failure.
- Commonly used in business, life milestones, and sports contexts.
- Implies a point of no return or a major turning point.
뜻
This phrase describes a choice that is incredibly important because it will change everything that happens next. It is the kind of decision where you cannot easily go back once you have made it.
주요 예문
3 / 6Talking about a career change
Moving to London was a crucial decision for my career.
Moving to London was a crucial decision for my career.
Discussing a sports game
The referee had to make a crucial decision in the final minute.
The referee had to make a crucial decision in the final minute.
Texting a friend about a breakup
It was a crucial decision, but I think we are better off apart.
It was a crucial decision, but I think we are better off apart.
문화적 배경
The term draws from the Latin 'crux' (cross), symbolizing a crossroad where a path must be chosen. In Western business and sports culture, the ability to make a 'crucial decision' under pressure is seen as a hallmark of great leadership.
The 'Reach' Collocation
If a group is struggling to decide, use 'reach a crucial decision' to show that it took effort and time.
Don't Overuse It
If everything is 'crucial', then nothing is. Save this for the 10% of choices that actually change your life.
15초 만에
- A high-stakes choice that determines future success or failure.
- Commonly used in business, life milestones, and sports contexts.
- Implies a point of no return or a major turning point.
What It Means
Think of a crucial decision as a fork in the road. One path leads to success, the other to a mess. It is not just an important choice. It is a game-changer. If you choose the wrong pizza topping, that is a mistake. If you choose to quit your job to start a cat cafe, that is a crucial decision. It carries weight and usually involves some level of risk.
How To Use It
You use this when the stakes are high. It usually fits perfectly with verbs like make, face, or reach. You can say, "I am facing a crucial decision about my future." It sounds strong and serious. It tells the listener that you are thinking deeply. Don't use it for small stuff like what shirt to wear. Unless, of course, you are meeting the Queen. Then it might actually be crucial.
When To Use It
Use it in business meetings when discussing strategy. Use it with friends when talking about moving cities or getting married. It is perfect for sports commentary when a player has one second to shoot. It also works well in academic writing or news reports. Basically, use it whenever the outcome really, really matters to the story.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase for mundane, daily routines. Saying "I made a crucial decision to buy low-fat milk" sounds sarcastic. People will think you are being a drama queen. Also, do not use it for things that are easily reversible. If you can change your mind in five minutes without any cost, it is not crucial. It is just a choice.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, we love a good success story. These stories always hinge on one crucial decision. It reflects a culture that values individual agency and big moments. The word crucial comes from the Latin 'crux', meaning cross. Think of a crossroad where you must pick a direction. It has been a staple of English since the 1700s to describe vital turning points.
Common Variations
You might hear people say pivotal moment or critical choice. These are very similar. If you want to sound more casual, you might say big call. In a professional setting, strategic decision is a common cousin. However, crucial decision remains the most balanced and widely understood version. It hits that sweet spot between being serious and being clear.
사용 참고사항
This phrase is neutral but leans slightly toward formal/professional. It is safe to use in almost any context except for very low-stakes, casual daily chores.
The 'Reach' Collocation
If a group is struggling to decide, use 'reach a crucial decision' to show that it took effort and time.
Don't Overuse It
If everything is 'crucial', then nothing is. Save this for the 10% of choices that actually change your life.
The Sarcasm Factor
English speakers often use this sarcastically for tiny things like 'Which Netflix show should I watch?' to be funny.
예시
6Moving to London was a crucial decision for my career.
Moving to London was a crucial decision for my career.
Shows how the choice impacted their professional life significantly.
The referee had to make a crucial decision in the final minute.
The referee had to make a crucial decision in the final minute.
Highlights a high-pressure moment in a game.
It was a crucial decision, but I think we are better off apart.
It was a crucial decision, but I think we are better off apart.
Used to show the weight of a personal emotional choice.
We have reached a crucial decision regarding the project's budget.
We have reached a crucial decision regarding the project's budget.
Formal way to announce a major change in direction.
Choosing between tacos or burgers is the most crucial decision of my day.
Choosing between tacos or burgers is the most crucial decision of my day.
Uses hyperbole to make a small choice sound funny.
The family faces a crucial decision about the treatment plan.
The family faces a crucial decision about the treatment plan.
Used in a serious medical context where outcomes are vital.
셀프 테스트
Choose the best word to complete the sentence.
The CEO made a ___ decision to merge with the smaller company.
A merger is a major business event, making 'crucial' the most appropriate adjective.
Which verb usually goes with this phrase?
We need to ___ a crucial decision by Friday.
In English, we 'make' decisions; we don't 'do' them.
🎉 점수: /2
시각 학습 자료
Formality of 'Crucial Decision'
Used with friends for big life updates.
It's a crucial decision, man.
Standard use in news or general conversation.
The city made a crucial decision.
Used in boardrooms and legal contexts.
The board reached a crucial decision.
Where to use 'Crucial Decision'
Career Path
Choosing a college major.
Finance
Buying a first home.
Relationships
Proposing marriage.
Health
Selecting a surgery option.
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문'Crucial' is much stronger than 'important'. While an important decision matters, a crucial decision is one that determines the success or failure of the entire situation.
No, that sounds unnatural. You should always use make a crucial decision or reach a crucial decision.
Yes, it is very common in professional settings. For example: "We are at a point where we must make a crucial decision regarding the budget."
You could call it a minor decision or a trivial choice. These are things that don't really change your life.
Absolutely. You can say, "That was a crucial decision I made ten years ago."
Use a. Since 'crucial' starts with a consonant sound, you say a crucial decision.
No, it can be about a company, a government, or even a computer algorithm making a crucial decision.
Yes, they are almost identical. Critical often implies a sense of urgency or a crisis, while crucial focus more on the importance of the outcome.
Yes, it is a great phrase for academic writing to describe historical events or scientific turning points.
Because it is! The word crucial is designed to grab attention and signal that something big is happening.
관련 표현
Critical choice
A decision made during a time of crisis or high pressure.
Pivotal moment
A point in time that changes the direction of a story or life.
Make or break
A situation that will either lead to great success or total failure.
The point of no return
The stage where you cannot go back to how things were before.
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