Moment Definition: A Very Brief Period of Time

Meaning 1：a very brief period of time (moment)

moment 🔊

/ˈmoʊmənt/

A very, very short amount of time, like a blink.

Moment captured as a blink of an eye in close-up photo

a very brief period of time 🔊

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/ə ˈvɛri briːf ˈpɪriəd əv taɪm/

An extremely short, almost imperceptible duration; often used to emphasize quickness or immediacy.

📁 Category：Time & Dates 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'momentum' meaning 'movement, moving power'; derived from 'movēre' (to move).

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'mo' + 'ment' – a tiny 'motion' of time that changes everything.

📖 Example

He hesitated for a moment before answering yes. 🔊 He paused briefly before giving his affirmative answer.

🔗 Collocations

at the moment – right now; currently

in a moment – very soon; shortly

the moment of truth – the critical or deciding instant

🔄 Synonyms

instant (n.) – a very short period of time, often shorter than a moment

second (n.) – a precise unit of time, but informally used for a brief interval

flash (n.) – a very sudden, brief occurrence like a flash of light

🚫 Antonyms

eternity (n.) – an infinite or unending period of time

age (n.) – a very long period of time

lifetime (n.) – the duration of a person's life

🌱 Derivatives

momentary (adj.) – lasting for a very short time

momentous (adj.) – of great importance or significance

momentum (n.) – the force gained by movement; impetus

📖 Cultural Story

Originally referred to a particle or unit of time in ancient physics. In modern culture, 'moment' is central in photography ('capture the moment') and mindfulness ('live in the moment').