Insignificant
/ˌɪn.sɪɡˈnɪf.ɪ.kənt/
Definitions
So small or unimportant as to be not worth considering; trifling.
/ˌɪn.sɪɡˈnɪf.ɪ.kənt/
Lacking importance or consequence
The small scratch on the car was insignificant.
💡 Simply: Think of something that just doesn't matter, like a tiny speck of dust on your shirt. It's so small and unnoticeable that it's insignificant. Or like that one grain of sand on a beach.
👶 For kids: Not important or not big enough to notice.
More Examples
The cost of the repair was insignificant compared to the value of the house.
Insignificance often leads to unnoticed behavior.
His contribution to the project was insignificant, and had almost no effect on its completion.
How It's Used
"The amount of rain was insignificant and didn't affect the outdoor event."
"The company's recent losses were considered insignificant compared to their overall profits."
"The difference in the results was statistically insignificant."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
From Latin *insignificans*, meaning 'not significant, unimportant'. The prefix 'in-' denotes negation.
Historically, the word has been used in philosophical and religious texts to emphasize the smallness of human concerns in the face of the vast universe.
Memory tip
Imagine a tiny, insignificant ant compared to a mountain. Focus on the 'in-' prefix - it reverses the meaning of 'significant'.
Word Origin
"Not significant"