importance
Americannoun
-
the quality or state of being important; consequence; significance.
-
important position or standing; personal or social consequence.
-
consequential air or manner.
an air of bustling importance.
-
Obsolete. an important matter.
-
Obsolete. importunity.
-
Obsolete. import or meaning.
noun
-
the state of being important; significance
-
social status; standing; esteem
a man of importance
-
obsolete
-
meaning or signification
-
an important matter
-
importunity
-
Related Words
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.
Other Word Forms
- preimportance noun
- unimportance noun
Etymology
Origin of importance
First recorded in 1495–1505; Medieval Latin importantia; important ( def. ), -ance ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Researchers say these findings highlight the importance of continued, individualized care for people managing obesity, even if they stop medication.
From Science Daily
The IMO head said he "will take this instruction very seriously", calling the measure "of particular operational importance" which showed "we value seafarers".
From Barron's
“Agents aren’t ready for prime time in doing the kind of execution on financial tasks that carry a lot of weight or importance,” Kates said.
From MarketWatch
“We’re especially thankful for our long-tenured associates who share their experience and demonstrate the importance of building meaningful relationships with customers, helping shape the next generation of associates.”
From MarketWatch
The film is, however, highly watchable, and that aspect is key to its importance within the larger cinematic landscape.
From Salon
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
