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important

adj.
US //ˌɪmˈpɔɹtənt// UK //ɪmpˈɔːtənt// im·por·tant
  1. 1 significant or valuable (adj.)
    A1 Beginner

    having a big effect on people or things; something you must care about.

    having great significance, value, or influence; essential for a particular purpose or outcome.

    Example

    It is important to drink enough water when the weather is hot.

    Example

    The CEO emphasized that maintaining a positive company culture was just as important as meeting their quarterly financial targets.
    Pitfall
    This is very important for me.
    This is very important to me.

    Use 'important to' when something has personal value or meaning; use 'important for' when something is necessary for a specific result.

  2. 2 having high status (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    having a lot of power, authority, or a high position in society.

    possessing great authority, power, or social standing.

    Example

    She had a meeting with some very important people from the government.

    Example

    The gala was attended by several important figures in the local arts community, all of whom were eager to support the new museum wing.
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  1. 3 pompous (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Literary

    behaving as if you are much more special or powerful than you really are.

    behaving in a way that suggests a high opinion of one's own importance; often used in the compound 'self-important'.

    Example

    He walked into the room with an important air, looking down at everyone.

    Example

    The official's important manner and refusal to listen to the public's concerns eventually led to his dismissal from the council.

    Usage

    Often appears as 'self-important' in modern contexts.
Origin

From Middle English important, from Medieval Latin important-, importāns. By surface analysis, import (“to be important”) + -ant. Displaced native Old English heah and hefig.

Word family

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