Significance Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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significance
[sɪɡˈnɪfɪkəns ]
Definitions
importance
The quality of being worthy of attention; importance.
Synonyms
consequence, importance, meaning.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| significance |
Use in situations where you want to emphasize the impact or value of something, often in a broader or more abstract sense.
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| importance |
Use to highlight the value or priority of something, especially when discussing its necessity or worth.
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| meaning |
Use when discussing what something signifies or represents, often focusing on interpretation or definition.
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| consequence |
Use when you need to talk about the result or outcome of an action or event, often implying a cause-effect relationship.
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Examples of usage
- The significance of this discovery cannot be overstated.
- The significance of voting in a democratic society is paramount.
meaning
The meaning to be found in words or events.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| significance |
Used to emphasize the importance or value of something, often in a broader or more serious context.
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| meaning |
Used to refer to the definition or the sense of what something represents or conveys.
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| import |
Typically used in more formal or academic settings to denote the importance or weight of something.
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| sense |
Often used to refer to the logical or practical understanding of something.
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Examples of usage
- The significance of her smile was not lost on him.
- The significance of the symbol varies depending on the culture.
statistics
A measure of the confidence that can be placed in a result, especially in the field of statistics.
Synonyms
importance, relevance, validity.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| significance |
Use this word when talking about how something is meaningful or has a special value. Often used in academic, historical, or personal contexts.
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| relevance |
Ideal for situations where you are discussing how something is connected to or useful in a particular context. Often used in academic, business, and technical discussions.
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| validity |
Appropriate when talking about whether something is logical, justifiable, or legally acceptable. Commonly used in logical arguments, legal contexts, or scientific research.
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| importance |
This term is suitable for describing something that has a major impact or is essential. It can be used in everyday conversation or more formal settings.
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Examples of usage
- The significance level of the experiment was set at 0.05.
- The statistical significance of the data was questioned by the researchers.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- In psychology, the significance of an event can affect how a person feels and reacts emotionally.
- Significant life events, such as graduations or weddings, can create lasting memories and change perspectives.
- Understanding significance helps individuals prioritize their experiences and what matters most to them.
Philosophy
- Philosophers often discuss significance in the context of purpose and meaning in life.
- The significance of an action may vary based on moral, cultural, and individual beliefs.
- Existentialists contend that individuals create their own significance in a seemingly indifferent universe.
Cultural Studies
- Different cultures assign varying levels of significance to rituals, traditions, and symbols.
- Cultural significance can influence identity, community bonding, and historical narratives.
- Artifacts or monuments often hold significance due to their historical context and cultural heritage.
Science
- In statistics, 'significance' refers to the likelihood that a result or relationship is caused by something other than mere chance.
- The term 'statistical significance' helps researchers determine the validity of their findings.
- Research findings can have different levels of significance based on sample sizes and methodologies used.
Origin of 'significance'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from the Latin 'significantia', meaning 'the quality of signifying'.
- It evolved into the Old French word 'significans' before entering English in the late 14th century.
- Throughout history, it has maintained a focus on denoting importance and meaning.
The word "significance" originated from the Latin word "significare", which means "to signify" or "to mean". Over time, the word has evolved to encompass various meanings related to importance, meaning, and statistical confidence. The concept of significance has been studied and debated in fields such as philosophy, statistics, and linguistics, reflecting its enduring relevance in understanding the world around us.
See also: insignificance.