Important: meaning, definitions and examples

⚠️

Add to dictionary

important

[ɪmˈpɔːtnt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in a conversation

Of great significance or value; likely to have a profound effect on success, survival, or well-being.

Synonyms

critical, crucial, essential, significant, vital.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
important	Used to describe something that has a lot of meaning or impact, but doesn't necessarily mean life-or-death. It's important to drink enough water every day. Education is important for personal growth.
significant	Used to describe something that has a noticeable or meaningful impact but is not as urgent as 'critical' or 'crucial'. The discovery was significant for the scientific community. There was a significant increase in sales last quarter.
crucial	Used for situations or decisions that are extremely important and pivotal for the outcome of a situation. This meeting is crucial for the success of our project. It is crucial to follow the instructions precisely.
vital	Used for something that is necessary for the sustenance or survival of something, often life or important functions. Proper nutrition is vital for a healthy life. The heart plays a vital role in the circulatory system.
essential	Used when something is absolutely necessary or indispensable. Water is essential for all forms of life. Good management skills are essential for running a company.
critical	Used when something is in a very delicate state and needs immediate attention or is very urgent. The patient is in critical condition and needs surgery immediately. It is critical to back up your data to avoid loss.

Examples of usage

It is important to prioritize your tasks to meet the deadline.
Voting is an important civic duty.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in a discussion

A thing that is of great significance or value.

Synonyms

crucial element, key factor, significant thing, valuable thing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
important	This word is used when referring to something that has great value or impact but is not necessarily the most critical part. It emphasizes general significance. Family is very important to me. It's important to get enough sleep every night.
significant thing	Used when referring to something that has noticeable or considerable importance. It implies a moderate to high level of impact. The most significant thing he learned in college was time management. Winning the award was a significant thing for her career.
valuable thing	This phrase is used to describe something that has great worth, often in terms of usefulness or preciousness. It may not necessarily be essential. Trust is a valuable thing in any friendship. Her advice was a valuable thing in making my decision.
crucial element	This phrase is used when referring to a key part of something that is essential for its success or existence. It denotes something indispensable. Communication is a crucial element in maintaining a healthy relationship. Understanding the basics of programming is a crucial element for becoming a good software developer.
key factor	This phrase is suited for highlighting a determining factor that influences the outcome of a situation or process. It emphasizes a major influence. Flexibility is the key factor in our team's success. Customer satisfaction is the key factor for our company's growth.

Examples of usage

Family is the most important thing in life.
Education is an important aspect of personal growth.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'importans,' meaning 'carrying in,' which implies bringing significance or value.
It made its way into English in the late 15th century, showing how vital a subject could be, just like how a ship carries important goods.

Psychology

People tend to prioritize information deemed 'important' and are influenced by such perceptions in decision-making.
Our brains are wired to focus on significant stimuli, suggesting that tags of importance can shape how we feel and act.

Education

In teaching, highlighting what is important helps students grasp key concepts, improving learning outcomes.
Disciplines that emphasize critical thinking often teach students to distinguish between what is essential and what is just extra information.

Pop Culture

Songs and movies often revolve around important themes like love, friendship, and growth, resonating deeply with audiences.
Social movements often emphasize 'important' issues, rallying communities around causes that demand attention and action.

History

Throughout history, defining 'important' events has shaped our understanding of world changes – like wars or revolutions.
Dates marked as important, like Independence Day or significant treaties, symbolize shifts in societal norms and governance.

Translations

Translations of the word "important" in other languages:

🇵🇹 importante

🇮🇳 महत्वपूर्ण (mahatvapoorna)

🇩🇪 wichtig

🇮🇩 penting

🇺🇦 важливий

🇵🇱 ważny

🇯🇵 重要 (じゅうよう, jūyō)

🇫🇷 important

🇪🇸 importante

🇹🇷 önemli

🇰🇷 중요한 (jung-yohan)

🇸🇦 مهم (muhim)

🇨🇿 důležitý

🇸🇰 dôležitý

🇨🇳 重要 (zhòngyào)

🇸🇮 pomemben

🇮🇸 mikilvægt

🇰🇿 маңызды (mańyzdy)

🇬🇪 მნიშვნელოვანი (mnishvnelovani)

🇦🇿 əhəmiyyətli

🇲🇽 importante

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #151, this word is extremely common in English. It's a crucial part of basic vocabulary that's used constantly in both spoken and written communication, making it essential for even basic conversations.

...
148 old
149 few
150 come
151 important
152 above
153 second
154 called
...