important
- 01 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.
Simple“It is important to drink enough water when the weather is hot.”
In context“The CEO emphasized that maintaining a positive company culture was just as important as meeting their quarterly financial targets.”
PitfallThis 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.
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 B1 Intermediate
having a lot of power, authority, or a high position in society.
possessing great authority, power, or social standing.
Simple“She had a meeting with some very important people from the government.”
In context“The gala was attended by several important figures in the local arts community, all of whom were eager to support the new museum wing.”
Synonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
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'.
Simple“He walked into the room with an important air, looking down at everyone.”
In context“The official's important manner and refusal to listen to the public's concerns eventually led to his dismissal from the council.”
UsageOften appears as 'self-important' in modern contexts.
Usage become important · deem important · economically important
From Middle English important, from Medieval Latin important-, importāns. By surface analysis, import (“to be important”) + -ant. Displaced native Old English heah and hefig.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.