pivotal

/ˈpɪvətəl/adjective

Extremely important because other things depend on it; central to an outcome.

Example sentence

“Her testimony played a pivotal role in the trial.”

Comes from 'pivot', the fixed point a lever turns on. Usually sits before 'role' or 'moment', and is heavily overused in business writing.

Related words

pixelOne of the tiny individual dots that together form a digital image on a screen.piqueA brief feeling of irritation or resentment, especially when your pride has been hurt.pizzaAn Italian dish consisting of a thin round of bread dough baked with tomato sauce, cheese, and other toppings such as vegetables or meat.piousDeeply religious and devoted to worship.placateTo soothe an angry person until they calm down and stop being upset.pioneerSomeone who is among the first to enter new territory or explore a new field, opening the way for those who come after.