# significance

/səɡˈnɪfɪkəns/ (US) · /sɪɡnˈɪfɪkəns/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. importance

noun · CEFR B2

the quality of being important or having a big effect on the future.

For teachers: 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'.

### 2. meaning

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the special or hidden meaning of something, like a look or a word.

For teachers: the meaning or import of something, especially when it is not immediately obvious.

- 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.

## Examples

- The discovery has great significance for modern medicine.
- Historians still debate the significance of the treaty in preventing further conflict across the region.
- While the immediate results seemed minor, the long-term significance of the policy shift became apparent as the national economy began to stabilize over the following decade.

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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.