juncture
C1/C2Formal, academic, technical
Definition
Meaning
A point in time, especially one made critical by a combination of circumstances; a particular point in a process or series of events.
In linguistics/phonetics: the transition or mode of transition from one sound to another in speech. In general use: a place where things join; a junction.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word often implies a critical or decisive moment where action or decision is required. In its linguistic sense, it is a highly technical term.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. Slightly more common in American academic/professional writing.
Connotations
Both varieties carry the same formal, slightly weighty connotation.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday speech in both varieties, reserved for formal contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
at [determiner] juncturereach a juncturecome to a junctureVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “At this juncture (formal equivalent of 'at this point')”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"At this juncture, we must decide whether to invest or divest."
Academic
"The treaty was signed at a critical juncture in European diplomacy."
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. Might be used humorously: "Well, at this juncture, I think we're lost."
Technical
"The phoneme is realised differently depending on the juncture with the following sound."
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The company is at an important juncture in its development.
- At this juncture in the negotiations, compromise seems unlikely.
- The nation's history reached a critical juncture with the passing of the controversial act, setting it on an irreversible new course.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a JUNCTION in the road where you must choose a direction. JUNCTURE is a junction in TIME where you must make a decision.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A PATH (we arrive at or reach a juncture on the path of events).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid directly translating as 'соединение' (connection/junction) for the temporal sense. For 'critical juncture', use 'переломный момент' or 'критический момент'. The linguistic term is 'стык'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a direct synonym for 'time' in informal contexts (e.g., 'What juncture is it?'). Confusing it with 'junction', which is primarily spatial.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'juncture' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It specifically refers to a significant or critical point in time, often where a decision must be made or where circumstances converge. It is more specific and formal than 'time'.
'Juncture' primarily refers to a point in time or a linguistic transition. 'Junction' almost always refers to a point where physical things meet, like roads or railway lines.
Yes, but it is quite formal. In most business emails, 'at this point' or 'now' is more common and natural. Use 'juncture' to add weight or formality.
In meaning, yes, but 'at this point in time' is often criticised as verbose. 'At this point' or 'now' is usually sufficient. 'At this juncture' is similarly formal but is an established, accepted phrase.
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