juncture

Everyday

1. (formal) A particular moment or point in time, especially an important one in a series of events. tree →
2. (formal) A place where two things join; a joint or junction. tree →

In the lessons

A stiff exam and news word: «at this juncture» means «at this point». In history writing it marks a turning point; in stories it signals that a decision must be made. Phrases: at this juncture, at a critical juncture, at that juncture.

Examples

• At this juncture, we should stop and think. tree →
• The war had reached a critical juncture. tree →
• At that juncture, the captain decided to turn the ship around. tree →
• The bone broke at the juncture with the knee. tree →
• It is too early, at this juncture, to say who will win. tree →
• The story reaches a key juncture when the map is stolen. tree →
• The two roads meet at a busy juncture. tree →

Note

Countable: a juncture, junctures. Formal: in normal speech say «at this point» or «now». Do not confuse with «junction» (a place where roads or railways meet), though they share a root. Pronounced JUNK-chur.