juncture
/ˈdʒʌŋk.tʃər/- 1.
A specific, often important or critical point in time — especially when a decision or change is needed. This is the most common meaning in academic and formal writing.
- At this juncture, the government must act quickly.
- The company reached a critical juncture last year.
- She paused at an important juncture in her career.
- 2.
A place or line where two things join or connect. This physical sense is less common and mainly used in technical or formal contexts.
- A crack appeared at the juncture of the two walls.
- The pipes are sealed at every juncture.
Adinary Nuance
"Juncture" is more formal and weighty than its near-neighbors "moment," "point," and "stage." You can say "at this point" in casual conversation, but "at this juncture" signals gravity — it tells the reader this is a significant, often decisive moment. "Crossroads" is similar in weight but specifically implies a choice between two paths, while "juncture" is neutral about what comes next. "Stage" refers to a stretch of time (a phase), but "juncture" refers to a single sharp point, not a period. In IELTS and academic writing, "at a critical juncture" is a trusted phrase that raises register without sounding unnatural.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- Thời điểm quan trọng
- Spanish
- coyuntura
- Chinese
- 关键时刻
- Japanese
- 重要な局面
- Korean
- 중요한 시점
Etymology
From Latin "junctura," meaning "a joining," derived from "jungere" (to join or yoke). The word entered English in the 15th century, first referring to physical joints; the figurative sense of "a critical moment" developed by the 17th century.
Common phrases
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is 'juncture' formal or informal?
- It is formal. 'At this juncture' is common in academic essays, business reports, and news writing. In everyday speech, most people say 'at this point' or 'right now' instead.
- What is the difference between 'juncture' and 'crossroads'?
- 'Crossroads' specifically suggests a moment of choice between different paths. 'Juncture' simply marks an important or critical moment — a decision may or may not follow. In academic writing, 'juncture' is the safer, more neutral choice.
- Can I use 'juncture' in an IELTS essay?
- Yes, and it works well. Phrases like 'at this critical juncture' or 'at a crucial juncture in history' will raise your lexical resource score. Just avoid overusing it — one or two uses per essay is enough.
- Does 'juncture' always refer to time, or can it mean a physical place?
- It can refer to both, but the time-related meaning is far more common today. The physical sense (a place where things join) appears mostly in technical or engineering contexts.