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 Word Forms

• preimportance noun
• unimportance 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

“It’s a powerful lesson on the importance of being prepared for the perils that can so readily happen in the wilderness,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

There are more than 4,000 scheduled monuments which include archaeological sites of national importance including Roman remains, burial mounds, castles, and bridges, with 400 registered historic parks and four world heritage sites.

From BBC

The 17-year-old also addressed the importance of queer representation in media while discussing their new book, “Rules for Fake Girlfriends.”

From Los Angeles Times

Just over a century later, Teddy Roosevelt said of the vice presidency, “I certainly do not want to hold a position of titular dignity and of no earthly practical importance for four years.”

From Salon

“While we understand the importance of these items to our customers, these steps are being taken in accordance with federal, state, and local” regulations, Garvins said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• attention 
• concern 
• consequence 
• effect 
• emphasis 
• gravity 
• influence 
• interest 
• priority 
• relevance 
• sense 
• seriousness 
• usefulness www.thesaurus.com
• value