Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

significance

American  
[sig-nif-i-kuhns] / sɪgˈnɪf ɪ kəns /

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 British  
/ 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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Related Words

See importance. See meaning.

Other Word Forms

  • nonsignificance noun
  • self-significance noun

Etymology

Origin of significance

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

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.

“I knew nothing of the cross itself as a marker on the journey,” she admits, “and I knew nothing about its significance.”

From The Wall Street Journal

More important, we should be wary of the vast chasm between the frenzied exaggerations of the media that attend this case and its actual significance.

From The Wall Street Journal

They said the case has “vast nationwide significance,” and it should not be left to be decided state by state.

From Los Angeles Times

Though it’s unclear why Wasserman has decided to sell such a spectacular abode, it is not the first time that he has parted ways with an architectural masterpiece of such significance.

From MarketWatch

The report concluded the government should give serious consideration to the proposal to introduce a new category for football matches of national significance.

From BBC