A1noun1K

Moment

UK /["/ˈməʊmənt/"]/US /["/ˈməʊmənt/"]/

Definition

a very short period of time

In simple words: A very short period of time.

Examples

  • I need a moment to think about my decision.
  • This is a special moment that we will cherish forever.
  • He paused for a moment before answering the question.
  • Can you give me a moment to finish my work?
  • It was a moment of silence before the ceremony began.

Usage notes

Used in everyday conversation. It's usually informal, but can be used in formal writing. Avoid using 'moment' to refer to a long duration of time.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'moment' as a tiny 'm' in time.

Collocations

  • brief
  • fleeting
  • passing
  • last
  • take
  • hesitate (for)
  • arrive
  • come
  • occur
  • after a/​the moment
  • at a/​the moment
  • for a/​the moment
  • at a given moment
  • at any given moment
  • every waking moment
  • brief
  • fleeting
  • passing
  • last
  • take
  • hesitate (for)
  • arrive
  • come
  • occur
  • after a/​the moment
  • at a/​the moment
  • for a/​the moment
  • at a given moment
  • at any given moment
  • every waking moment
  • brief
  • fleeting
  • passing
  • last
  • take
  • hesitate (for)
  • arrive
  • come
  • occur
  • after a/​the moment
  • at a/​the moment
  • for a/​the moment
  • at a given moment
  • at any given moment
  • every waking moment

Synonyms

  • instant
  • second
  • flash
  • minute

Antonyms

  • eternity
  • forever

Common mistakes

  • Using 'moment' to mean a long time instead of a short time.
  • Confusing 'moment' with 'movement'.
  • Mixing up 'moment' with 'measure' in phrases.