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YOUR VOCABULARY, ONE WORD AT A TIME

crux

Noun

IPA /krʌks/

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Meaning in plain English

The central or most difficult point in a problem or discussion.

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Pronunciation

crux/krʌks/

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  1. A problem has many details

  2. One issue is central to solving it

The crux of a problem is its central or most important point.

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Examples in context

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  1. The crux of our disagreement was who would pay for the repairs.
  2. The tutor helped us identify the crux of the argument.

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The ________ of our disagreement was who would pay for the repairs.
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crux — The central or most difficult point in a problem or discussion.

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The central or most difficult point in a problem or discussion.

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Word origin

Borrowed from Latin crux, meaning cross.

Did you know?

The crux of the matter is a common phrase for the essential issue.

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crux

/krʌks/ (Noun)

“Usually use the crux of something. It refers to the key point, not every detail.”

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