fulcrum

[ˈfʊlkrəm]

fulcrum Definition

  • 1the point on which a lever rests or is supported and on which it pivots
  • 2a thing that plays a central or essential role in an activity, event, or situation

Using fulcrum: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "fulcrum" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The fulcrum of the seesaw was placed in the middle.

  • Example

    The fulcrum of the company's success is its innovative technology.

  • Example

    The fulcrum of the debate was the issue of climate change.

fulcrum Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for fulcrum

Idioms Using fulcrum

  • in a position of balance or stability, often used to describe a difficult or precarious situation

    Example

    The success of the project hangs on a fulcrum, and any misstep could cause it to fail.

  • to change the central or essential element of an activity, event, or situation

    Example

    By addressing the root causes of the problem, we can move the fulcrum of the debate and find a solution that works for everyone.

  • to play a central or essential role in an activity, event, or situation

    Example

    As the CEO, she is the fulcrum of the company's success, and her decisions have a major impact on its future.

Phrases with fulcrum

  • to change the central or essential element of an activity, event, or situation

    Example

    By introducing new policies, the government hopes to shift the fulcrum of the economy towards sustainable development.

  • to identify a central or essential element of an activity, event, or situation

    Example

    In order to solve the problem, we need to find the fulcrum of the issue and address it directly.

  • a financial transaction in which a company is acquired using a large amount of borrowed money, with the assets of the acquired company often used as collateral for the loans

    Example

    The company was acquired in a leveraged buyout that left it heavily in debt.

Origins of fulcrum

from Latin 'fulcire', meaning 'to prop up'

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Summary: fulcrum in Brief

The term 'fulcrum' [ˈfʊlkrəm] refers to the point on which a lever rests and pivots, or a central or essential element of an activity, event, or situation. It can be used to describe physical objects like seesaws or metaphorical concepts like the heart of a company's success. Phrases like 'shift the fulcrum' and idioms like 'on a fulcrum' convey the importance of finding balance and stability in difficult situations.