# pivot vs pivotal

> English confusable word pair

## The two words

### pivot
*noun · IPA /ˈpɪv.ɪt/ · frequency rank #15,027*
A thing on which something turns; specifically a metal pointed pin or short shaft in machinery, such as the end of an axle or spindle.

### pivotal
*adjective · IPA /ˈpɪvɪtəl/ · frequency rank #15,028*
Of, relating to, or being a pivot.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/vs/pivot-vs-pivotal