# importantly

/ˌɪmˈpɔɹtəntɫi/ (US) · /ɪmpˈɔːtəntli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/importantly
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. marking a significant point

adverb · CEFR B1

you use this to introduce a fact or idea that is more significant than what you just said.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. in an important way

adverb · CEFR C1 · Formal

doing something in a way that shows you think you are very significant or serious.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- More importantly, we must finish the project on time.
- The new software is faster and, more importantly, it is much more secure than the old version.
- While the aesthetic improvements are welcome, more importantly, the structural reinforcements ensure the building will remain safe for another fifty years.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.