important
ihm-PAW-tuhnt
Important (adj) means having real significance, value, or influence. Example: “It's important to double-check your work before submitting it.”
adj
1
Having real significance, value, or influence.
"It's important to double-check your work before submitting it."
"She played an important role in the negotiations."
"Sleep is important for children who are still growing."
2
Having or showing an inflated sense of one's own significance.
"He strutted around the office acting very important."
"She likes to feel important, so she always sits at the head of the table."
"Don't act so important just because you were given a name badge."
How to use important
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMattering a lot, or (less commonly) acting self-important.
Common pairings
important decision
important role
self-important
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more important, importanter
- Superlative
- most important, importantest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
It's _____ to double-check your work before submitting it.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin importans, related to import ("to be important").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for important
See all rhymes for important →Frequently asked questions
What does “important” mean?
The word “important” means having real significance, value, or influence. In plain terms, mattering a lot, or (less commonly) acting self-important.
How do you pronounce “important”?
“Important” is pronounced ihm-PAW-tuhnt (/ɪmˈpɔɹ.tənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “important” in a sentence?
Here is “important” used in a sentence: “It's important to double-check your work before submitting it.”
What is another word for “important”?
Words with a similar meaning to “important” include significant, weighty, key, big, central and consequential.
What is the opposite of “important”?
The opposite of “important” — its antonyms — are negligible, ignorable, slight, petty and unimportant.
What part of speech is “important”?
“Important” is an adjective.
Where does the word “important” come from?
The word “important” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin importans, related to import ("to be important").
Is “important” a common word?
“Important” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the difference between 'important' and 'urgent'?
'Important' means something has real significance or lasting value. 'Urgent' means it needs attention right now. The two often differ: a long-term goal can be important but not urgent, while a ringing phone may be urgent but not important. Good time management separates what truly matters from what merely feels pressing.
What is the difference between 'important' and 'significant'?
The two are close synonyms. 'Important' stresses that something matters or has influence. 'Significant' stresses that it is noticeable, meaningful, or large enough to have an effect, and it is common in statistics and research. Often they are interchangeable, but 'significant' leans toward measurable impact.
What is the opposite of 'important'?
The main opposites are 'unimportant,' 'insignificant,' and 'trivial,' words for things of little value or influence. 'Minor,' 'negligible,' and 'inconsequential' work too, depending on context. Each suggests that something can be safely overlooked because it carries little weight or makes little difference.
How do you use 'important' in a sentence?
'It is important to read the instructions before you begin.' Here 'important' marks the action as worth doing because it has real value. Other examples include 'an important decision,' 'an important figure in history,' and 'sleep is important for health,' each pointing to genuine significance or influence.
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