- Important (adjective): Having great significance or consequence.
- Important (adjective): Of considerable influence or authority.
- Important (adjective): Marked by or indicative of superior worth or value.
- Important (adjective): Necessitating urgent or immediate attention.
"Important" is a term widely recognized for its association with things of significant value or influence. This word is commonly used to describe situations, people, or objects that hold substantial worth or impact in various contexts, urging readers to appreciate the breadth and depth of its usage.
The word "important" is often used to describe something of high significance, influence, or urgency. It conveys the value, impact, or necessity of a person, event, or object within various contexts.
This definition refers to something with a substantial impact or consequence, such as an important event that shapes future outcomes.
Here, "important" indicates a person or thing with notable authority or control, like an important leader within a community.
This usage emphasizes value, describing someone or something regarded with high esteem, such as an important artifact in a museum.
In this sense, "important" signifies urgency or the need for immediate action, such as addressing an important safety issue.
"Important" functions primarily as an adjective within the English language. This part of speech allows it to modify nouns, providing a descriptor that enhances understanding of the noun's relevance or impact.
Although predominantly used as an adjective, "important" occasionally appears in less common forms, such as in nominalized phrases like "the important," referring collectively to significant things or people.
Pronounce "important" as "im-POR-tunt," with the stress on the second syllable "POR." The first syllable "im" is short and quick, while the final syllable "tunt" is slightly softened. Think of it as three distinct parts: "im" (like in "him") + "POR" (like "pour") + "tunt" (like "hunt" but with a 't').
Phonetic Pronunciation: /ɪmˈpɔːr.tənt/
Various synonyms offer alternative ways to express the concept of being "important":
Contrastingly, several antonyms highlight the lack of significance or necessity:
Exploring the use of "important" in varied sentences enhances comprehension:
1. It is important to check all the facts before making a decision.
2. She played an important role in the success of the project.
3. Maintaining a balanced diet is important for good health.
4. The meeting today is particularly important.
5. Understanding history is important to avoid repeating past mistakes.
6. Water is an important resource that must be conserved.
7. He held an important position within the government.
8. Education is an important tool for future success.
9. It’s important that we arrive on time.
10. Keeping confidential information secure is important.
According to the Google Ngram Viewer, the frequency of "important" in written texts has generally increased since the 1800s. It shows a gradual rise until a marked growth in the late 20th century, reflecting its relevance in modern discourse and literature. This increase may highlight a shift in emphasis on describing matters of consequence in various contexts.
The term "important" has several variants that reflect different nuances of its use and significance:
1. Importance: A noun form that captures the state or quality of being important.
2. Unimportant: An adjective describing something that lacks significance or relevance.
3. Unimportance: A noun form used to denote the quality or state of lacking importance or significance.
The concept of importance connects with several related terms that enrich its application:
1. Urgent
2. Critical
3. Essential
4. Key
5. Primary
6. Crucial
7. Necessary
8. Vital
9. Paramount
10. Fundamental
The word "important" has roots in both Latin and French. In Latin, importare meant "to bring in" or "to be of consequence," evolving into importans in post-classical Latin, meaning "momentous" or "of weight." In Middle French, important took on a similar meaning, signifying something consequential or weighty. The earliest known use in English dates back to Middle English, with recorded appearances as early as 1444.
"Important" leads to several derivatives that emphasize manner and degree of importance in various contexts:
1. Importantly: An adverb used to denote that something is being done in a way that emphasizes its importance.
2. Unimportantly: Conversely, this adverb describes an action or statement being made with little to no importance, often used to downplay the significance of what is being discussed.
Common misspellings reflect frequent errors in writing "important":
1. Importent
2. Imporant
3. Importnat
4. Improtant
Idioms analogous to "important" enrich language with cultural flavor:
1. The heart of the matter
2. The crux of the issue
3. At the heart of
4. The meat of the matter
5. A matter of life and death
6. High on the agenda
7. Of great import
8. In the limelight
9. Under the microscope
10. Center stage
Exploring common inquiries provides deeper insight into how "important" functions and is perceived within various contexts:
1. What makes something "important"?
Factors like impact, relevance, and consequences determine whether something is considered important.
2. Can the importance of an event change over time?
Absolutely, as societal values and personal circumstances evolve, the significance attributed to events can shift.
3. Is "important" subjective or objective?
"Important" can be subjective, varying from person to person, or objective, based on universally recognized standards.
4. How do I use "important" in a sentence?
"Important" is used to describe something of great value or necessity, such as in the sentence, "It is important to vote."
5. Are there synonyms that can replace "important" without changing the meaning?
Yes, synonyms like "crucial," "vital," and "significant" convey similar meanings and can often be used interchangeably.
6. What is the opposite of "important"?
The opposite of "important" is "unimportant," indicating something with little to no value or impact.
7. Does "important" have different meanings in different fields?
Yes, in different contexts like business, education, or personal relationships, the implications and applications of "important" vary.
8. How do I pronounce "important"?
Pronounce it as /ɪmˈpɔːr.tənt/, emphasizing the 'por' syllable.
9. What is the etymology of "important"?
Derived from the Latin "importans," meaning "carrying weight," the term has evolved in English to denote significance or value.
10. Can "important" be used in legal or technical documents?
Yes, it is often used to highlight elements that are critical for understanding or compliance in such documents.
The term "important" holds substantial weight in language, offering a means to express significance and priority across various contexts. Its versatility makes it a staple in both everyday and professional communication. Reflect on how "important" factors are in your life and consider its profound impact when used thoughtfully.
