importance

[ im-pawr-tns ]

noun

1. the quality or state of being important; consequence; significance.

   Synonyms: concern, weight, moment

2. important position or standing; personal or social consequence.
3. consequential air or manner:

   an air of bustling importance.

4. Obsolete. an important matter.
5. Obsolete. importunity.
6. Obsolete. import or meaning.

importance

/ ɪmˈpɔːtəns /

noun

1. the state of being important; significance
2. social status; standing; esteem

   a man of importance

3. obsolete.
   1. meaning or signification
   2. an important matter
   3. importunity

Other Words From

• preim·portance noun
• unim·portance noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of importance¹

First recorded in 1495–1505; Medieval Latin importantia; important ( def ), -ance ( def )

Synonym Study

Importance, consequence, significance, moment all signify something valuable, influential, or worthy of note. Importance is the most general of these, assigning exceptional or notable value or influence to a person or thing: the importance of Einstein's discoveries. Consequence may suggest outstanding personal quality or position, or it may suggest importance because of results to be produced: a woman of consequence in world affairs; an event of great consequence for our future. Significance can be used interchangeably with importance or consequence, but it carries also the implication of importance that is not readily or immediately recognized: The significance of the discovery only became clear years later. Moment, on the other hand, almost always refers to immediately apparent, self-evident importance: a change of great moment for the nation's political system.

Example Sentences

The study also highlights the importance of egalitarianism, respect for individual autonomy and extensive sharing in shaping how cultural knowledge is passed down among hunter gatherers.

From Science Daily

"Owing to their ecological importance and rapid decline, it is essential to significantly improve our knowledge and understanding of vultures in order to protect them," says Aschenborn.

From Science Daily

The findings highlight the importance of understanding how everyday chemical exposures might contribute to respiratory and allergic conditions in children.

From Science Daily

“I’ve been in it a long time,” Foster said of the rivalry, “so I understand the importance of it.”

From Los Angeles Times

The importance of territory to both sides is the strength it lends to their position in any potential negotiations.

From BBC

Related Words

• attention
• concern
• consequence
• effect
• emphasis
• gravity
• influence
• interest
• priority
• relevance
• sense
• seriousness
• usefulness
• value