* The Suffix "-ous" - This suffix often indicates "full of" or "having the quality of."
* The Root "Moment" - This refers to a significant point in time or a brief period.
Putting it Together
When we combine these elements, "momentous" means "full of significance" or "having the quality of being important."
Examples:
* "The decision to go to war was a momentous one."
* "This is a momentous occasion for our family."
In essence, the "-ous" suffix signals that the word describes something brimming with significance, making it a valuable clue to understanding its meaning.