significance

[sig-nif-i-kuhns]

noun

1. importance; consequence.

   the significance of the new treaty.

   Synonyms: weight, moment
   Antonyms: triviality

2. meaning; import.

   The familiar place had a new significance for her.

3. the quality of being significant or having a meaning.

   to give significance to dull chores.

significance

/ sɪɡˈnɪfɪkəns /

noun

1. consequence or importance

2. something signified, expressed, or intended

3. the state or quality of being significant

4. statistics

   1. a measure of the confidence that can be placed in a result, esp a substantive causal hypothesis, as not being merely a matter of chance

   2. ( as modifier ) Compare confidence level See also hypothesis testing

      a significance level

Other Word Forms

• nonsignificance noun
• self-significance noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of significance¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English (from Middle French ), from Latin significantia “force, meaning,” equivalent to significant- ( significant ) + -ia -ia; ( -ance )

Synonym Study

See importance. See meaning.

Example Sentences

One panel would have required ancient artists to climb and work precariously on narrow ledges, underscoring the sheer effort and significance of the imagery.

Read more on Science Daily

Their central role in artificial intelligence, military equipment and other areas with national-security and economic significance has made them the locus of tensions between the world’s two superpowers.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Some members of the Catholic community welcomed the introduction of the new wine, expressing concern that the old was being sold casually in shops like any ordinary drink, diminishing its sacred significance.

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His finish wasn’t without significance: he was the first and only African rider to complete the race.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It was, however, another message delivered by the German manager that will carry wider significance as England gather momentum towards next summer's World Cup.

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Related Words

• consequence 
• gravity 
• influence 
• magnitude 
• matter 
• merit 
• prestige 
• relevance 
• virtue 
• weight