Word
importantly
Phoneticsim·por·tant·ly, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪmˈpɔɹtəntɫi/
UK/ɪmpˈɔːtəntli/
Sentence adverb
Definitions
01marking a significant point
B1 · Intermediate
adv. you use this to introduce a fact or idea that is more significant than what you just said.
adv. used as a sentence adverb to indicate that the following statement is of greater significance than preceding ones; often preceded by 'more' or 'most'.
“The new car is faster and, more importantly, much safer than the old one.”
“The report highlights several technical flaws but, more importantly, it identifies a systemic failure in the safety protocols.”
Usage
Commonly occurs in the comparative 'more importantly' or superlative 'most importantly' at the start of a clause.
Pitfall
Important, we need to finish this today.
Importantly, we need to finish this today.
When starting a sentence to show that the whole idea is significant, you must use the adverb form 'importantly'.
Synonyms
02in an important way
C1 · Advanced Formal
adv. doing something in a way that shows you think you are very significant or serious.
adv. in a manner that suggests personal importance, authority, or gravity.
“He cleared his throat importantly before starting his speech to the crowd.”
“The official strode importantly across the hall, clutching a stack of documents as if they contained the secrets of the state.”
Teaching tip
This sense is less common than the sentence-modifying use and can sometimes imply that the person is acting more significant than they actually are.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology
From important + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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