Importance

ɪmˈpɔːrtəns

nounBeginner🔥Very CommonAbstract
1 meaning3 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

1

The state or fact of being of great significance or value.

ɪmˈpɔːrtəns

nounneutralBeginner
Abstract

The quality or state of being important

The importance of regular exercise for good health is well-known.

💡 Simply: Imagine something really, really significant, like the need to eat! Importance is just how much something matters or how useful it is. It's about what's key or vital, just like remembering to do homework.

👶 For kids: When something is important, it means it matters a lot, like being kind to others!

More Examples

2

She stressed the importance of listening carefully to the instructions.

3

We discussed the importance of teamwork in achieving our goals.

How It's Used

General

"The importance of education cannot be overstated."

Politics

"The meeting addressed issues of national importance."

Business

"Cost control is of the utmost importance for the company's survival."

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

Idioms & expressions

of importance

Significant; worthy of attention.

"This issue is of vital importance to the company."

utmost importance

The greatest importance.

"Maintaining data security is of utmost importance."

to attach importance to

To consider something significant; to give something importance.

"He tends to attach too much importance to minor details."

From Middle English importanc(e), from Old French importance, from important (important) + -ance (suffix forming nouns from adjectives).

The word 'importance' has been used since the 15th century, initially relating to the meaning of being significant or consequential.

Memory tip

Think of important things that matter to you – that's their importance.

Word Origin

LanguageOld French
Original meaning

"significant, weighty"

of importanceutmost importancethe importance ofattach importance to

Common misspellings

importenceimportants

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written