Word
significance
Phoneticssig·nif·i·cance, stress on the second syllable
US/səɡˈnɪfɪkəns/
UK/sɪɡnˈɪfɪkəns/
Definitions
01importance
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the quality of being important or having a big effect on the future.
n. the quality of being worthy of attention; importance or consequence.
“Scientists are still trying to understand the full significance of this new discovery.”
“The historical significance of the treaty cannot be overstated, as it fundamentally redrew the borders of Eastern Europe for the next century.”
Usage
Often used with the preposition 'of' as in 'the significance of the event'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02meaning
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal
n. the special or hidden meaning of something, like a look or a word.
n. the meaning or import of something, especially when it is not immediately obvious.
Español:significado
“She gave him a look full of significance, but he didn't understand it.”
“The poet uses the recurring image of the raven to convey a deeper significance regarding the nature of grief and memory.”
Usage
Commonly used to describe the 'hidden' meaning behind a gesture or symbol.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “significance” in context.
Verb
01. assess significance
“Researchers need to assess the significance of these findings before publishing the report.”
verb + noun
02. demonstrate significance
“The study failed to demonstrate the significance of the new drug in treating the disease.”
verb + noun
03. determine significance
“Further tests are required to determine the significance of the geological discovery.”
verb + noun
04. emphasise significance
“The teacher wanted to emphasise the significance of the French Revolution in modern history.”
verb + noun
05. have significance
“The color of the flowers may have a special significance in certain cultures.”
verb + noun
06. indicate significance
“A high score on this test may indicate the significance of the student's progress.”
verb + noun
07. lose significance
“Traditional customs often lose their significance as society becomes more modernized.”
verb + noun
Adjective
08. considerable significance
“The discovery of the ancient ruins is of considerable significance to archaeologists.”
adj + noun
09. economic significance
“The new trade agreement will have great economic significance for both countries.”
adj + noun
10. particular significance
“This date holds particular significance for the family as it marks their anniversary.”
adj + noun
11. practical significance
“While the theory is interesting, it has very little practical significance in daily life.”
adj + noun
12. approach significance
Real-World Examples
“But for scientists studying the AMOC today, the real significance of the Younger Dryas is what it reveals about the Atlantic.” “While some of these initiatives had political significance, many struggled to translate their objectives into tangible results on the ground,” he said.” Etymology
Inherited from Middle English significaunce, from Middle French significance, from Old French significance, from Latin significantia. Doublet of signifiance.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/significance
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0