Importance Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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importance
[ɪmˈpɔːt(ə)ns ]
Definitions
in society
The quality of being important or significant. Importance is often associated with influence, power, or value.
Synonyms
consequence, significance, value, weight.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| importance |
Used when referring to the overall value or worth of something in a general sense, often in a broader or abstract context.
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| significance |
Used when talking about the meaning or importance of something, especially in a specific or detailed context.
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| value |
Refers to the worth or utility of something, can be economic, moral, or personal.
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| weight |
Often used metaphorically to describe the seriousness or influence of a fact or statement, sometimes implying a burden or responsibility.
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| consequence |
Typically used to describe the result or outcome of an action, often implying a negative or serious result.
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Examples of usage
- Education is of great importance in society.
- Teamwork is of utmost importance in achieving success.
- His role in the project was of vital importance.
personal life
The state or fact of being important or having value to oneself. It can refer to one's self-worth, priorities, or goals.
Synonyms
priority, significance, value, worth.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| importance |
Use this when talking about how crucial or necessary something is, often in a general sense.
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| significance |
Use this when you want to highlight the meaning, impact, or implications of something, often in a specific context.
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| value |
Use this when discussing the worth, usefulness, or benefit of something, often with a focus on practical or monetary terms.
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| worth |
Similar to 'value,' use this to talk about the overall merit or desirability of something, often in terms of personal or intrinsic value.
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| priority |
Use this when referring to the order of importance, indicating something that should come first or receive immediate attention.
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Examples of usage
- Self-care is of paramount importance in maintaining mental health.
- She realized the importance of spending time with loved ones.
- Setting clear goals is crucial for understanding the importance of each task.
history
A notable person or thing. Importance can be attributed to historical figures, events, or artifacts.
Synonyms
notability, prominence, relevance, significance.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| importance |
Used in general contexts to indicate the state or quality of being important.
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| significance |
Used to indicate the quality of being worthy of attention, typically in terms of impact, meaning, or value.
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| notability |
Often used to describe the quality of being notable or worth noting, typically in the context of achievements or public recognition.
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| prominence |
Used to denote a state of being prominent or standing out, often in terms of public visibility or influence.
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| relevance |
Refers to the quality of being directly connected with and important to something else, often used in discussions about material or information applicability.
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Examples of usage
- The Declaration of Independence is a document of great historical importance.
- Shakespeare is a figure of immense importance in literature.
- The discovery of penicillin was a momentous event of medical importance.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, family and education are deemed important, shaping social values and priorities.
- Different societies may prioritize different aspects, such as community involvement or personal success, showing diverse views on what holds importance.
- Rituals, like weddings or graduations, signify important transitions in life, reflecting deeper cultural meanings.
Psychology
- The human brain tends to focus on what is important to survival, prioritizing those things for decision-making.
- Psychologists note that understanding the importance of tasks can affect motivation and performance in various aspects of life.
- Cognitive biases can lead people to misjudge the importance of certain information, impacting their beliefs and actions.
Education
- In learning, understanding the importance of a topic helps students engage more deeply and retain information better.
- Many educational frameworks emphasize the importance of critical thinking skills, preparing individuals for real-world challenges.
- Teachers often highlight the importance of curiosity and questioning as tools for deeper understanding.
Economics
- Resources are often allocated based on their perceived importance to society, affecting development and growth.
- Market trends reflect the importance of consumer needs and preferences, driving businesses to adapt frequently.
- Investments are driven by the importance placed on potential returns and the perceived future value of sectors.
Origin of 'importance'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'importare,' meaning 'to bring in,' showing how we bring in value from things we consider important.
- It developed in Middle English as 'importaunce,' which reflected the idea of weighing the value of things.
- The suffix '-ance' indicates a state or quality, pointing to how something is valued.
The word 'importance' originated from the Old French word 'importance' in the 15th century, which in turn came from the Latin 'importare' meaning 'to bring in'. Over time, 'importance' evolved to signify the quality of being significant or having value. The concept of importance has played a crucial role in various aspects of human life, from societal structures to personal well-being. Its usage has expanded to encompass a wide range of contexts, reflecting its enduring relevance in communication and understanding. Today, 'importance' continues to be a central theme in discussions of influence, worth, and historical significance.