juncture

Definitions

junct (joined) + -ure (act/result) = a joining, then a point of joining. It drifted from a physical seam to a moment in time: 'at this juncture' means at this critical joining-point of events, where one course meets another.

Why It Means This

The leap is from space to time. A juncture was first a place where parts join — a seam. English then used that same image for events: a moment where situations come together and a decision must be made. Today the time sense dominates, almost always for an important turning point, as in 'at this critical juncture.'

Common Collocations

• 1.at this juncture在这个关头
• 2.at a critical juncture在关键时刻
• 3.at this point/juncture此时此刻
• 4.delicate juncture微妙的关头

Example Sentences

• 1.

  At this juncture, we cannot afford to make any mistakes.

• 2.

  The country reached a critical juncture in its history.

• 3.

  It would be unwise to change leaders at such a delicate juncture.