MOMENTOUS

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does momentous mean? 

• MOMENTOUS (adjective)
  The adjective MOMENTOUS has 1 sense:

1. of very great significance

  Familiarity information: MOMENTOUS used as an adjective is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• MOMENTOUS (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Of very great significance

Context example:

a momentous event

Similar:

important; significant (important in effect or meaning)

Derivation:

moment (having important effects or influence)

momentousness (utmost importance)

 Context examples 

The present is one of those momentous stages in the life of man.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

It proved a momentous night for Martin, for after dinner he met Russ Brissenden.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

But already, as I write, a week has passed, and we have had our momentous interview with Lord John Roxton and—well, perhaps things might be worse.

(The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Where she could be placed became a subject of most melancholy and momentous consultation.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

Now, sir, I must ask you more particularly what this document is, and why its disappearance should have such momentous consequences?

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Our client had suddenly burst into the room with an explosive energy which told of some new and momentous development.

(His Last Bow, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

I am sure it is only necessary to put before so admirable a practitioner as Dr. Seward so simple, yet so momentous a wish, to ensure its fulfilment.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

Both the sisters seemed struck: not shocked or appalled; the tidings appeared in their eyes rather momentous than afflicting.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

I would not have dwelt so long upon a circumstance that, perhaps, at first sight, may appear not very momentous, if I had not thought it necessary to justify my character, in point of cleanliness, to the world; which, I am told, some of my maligners have been pleased, upon this and other occasions, to call in question.

(Gulliver's Travels into several remote nations of the world, by Jonathan Swift)

This momentous pocket-book was a timely reminder to him of another transaction.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)