importance
- 01 B1 Intermediate
the quality of being important or having a big effect on something.
the quality of being significant, valuable, or having a substantial impact on a situation or outcome.
Simple“The teacher explained the importance of reading every day to improve your vocabulary.”
In context“The report highlights the critical importance of international cooperation in addressing the global climate crisis over the next decade.”
UsageOften follows the preposition 'of' in formal structures like 'of great importance'.
PitfallThis problem has a big importance. This problem is of great importance.In formal English, we often use 'of' + 'importance' rather than 'has' + 'importance'.
SynonymsAntonymsinsignificancetriviality - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
a person's high position or power in society.
the state of having high social standing, prestige, or authority.
Simple“He was a man of great importance in the local government.”
In context“Despite her family's historical importance in the region, she preferred to live a quiet life away from the public eye.”
Teacher's tipWhen referring to people, this sense can sometimes sound slightly old-fashioned or very formal.
Usage appreciate importance · assess importance · assume importance
From Middle English importaunce, from Middle French importance, from Medieval Latin importantia. By surface analysis, import (“to be important”) + -ance.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.