important
Having great value, meaning, or effect.
Word facts
Definition
Something important has great value, meaning, or effect. An important thing is one that should not be ignored, because it can make a real difference to an outcome, decision, or understanding. Importance is about impact — what matters and what does not.
Usage: More important and most important are the standard comparative forms. Importantly is used to signal significance in a sentence: 'More importantly, we need to check the data first.'
Example sentences
- 1
It is important to drink enough water throughout the day, especially during exercise.
- 2
She made an important discovery that changed how scientists understood the disease.
- 3
His advice was important to her decision about which job to accept.
Word family
From Latin importare ('to bring in, to signify'), from in- + portare ('to carry'). The idea is that something important 'carries weight' — it brings something significant into the situation.
Think im-PORT-ant — a port handles heavy cargo. Important things carry real weight into your decisions.
Explore this word in Word Lab
FAQ
Questions people ask
How do you use important in a sentence?
Important comes before a noun (an important meeting) or after a verb like 'be' (this is important). You can also say 'it is important that...' to introduce a key point.
What is the noun form of important?
The noun form is importance. Example: the importance of getting enough sleep.
What does 'importantly' mean?
Importantly is an adverb used to signal that a point deserves attention: 'More importantly, we missed the deadline.'
How many syllables does important have?
Important has 3 syllables: im-por-tant. The stress is on the second syllable: im-POR-tant.