Word
significant
Phoneticssig·nif·i·cant, stress on the second syllable
US/səɡˈnɪfɪkənt/
UK/sɪɡnˈɪfɪkənt/
Definitions
01important or major
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. important or having a big effect on something.
adj. having a major or noticeable effect; sufficiently great or important to be worthy of attention.
日本語:重要※
“The new law made a significant difference to the lives of many people.”
“The discovery of the new vaccine represented a significant breakthrough in the global fight against the pandemic.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02large in amount
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. large enough to be noticed or to matter.
adj. reasonably large in number, amount, or size.
“A significant number of students decided to study from home this year.”
“The company invested a significant amount of capital into research and development over the last fiscal year.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03suggesting a hidden meaning
C1 · Advanced Literary
adj. having a special or secret meaning that is not said out loud.
adj. conveying a meaning that is not explicitly stated; suggestive of a deeper or hidden intent.
“He gave her a significant look across the room, but he didn't say a word.”
“The silence that followed her question was significant, suggesting that the board members were not as united as they claimed.”
Synonyms
04not by chance
C1 · Advanced Mathematics Academic · Technical
adj. in science and math, describing a result that is unlikely to happen by accident.
adj. having a low probability of occurring by chance; used to describe data that shows a true relationship or effect.
“The researchers found a significant link between diet and heart health.”
“The correlation between the two variables was found to be statistically significant at the 0.05 level, rejecting the null hypothesis.”
Usage
Often used in the phrase 'statistically significant'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “significant” in context.
Adjective
01. highly significant
“The results of the medical trial were highly significant and led to a new treatment.”
adv + adj
02. marginally significant
“The difference in performance between the two groups was only marginally significant.”
adv + adj
03. particularly significant
“This discovery is particularly significant for our understanding of ancient history.”
adv + adj
04. significant changes
05. significant amounts
06. significant damage
07. significant enough
08. significant health
09. arise significant
10. centrally significant
11. conjunction significant
12. robust significant
Real-World Examples
“Another mass call-up, however, would carry significant political risks for the Kremlin.” “Courtney Gartshore, 28, used the appliance to subject Dahlia-Rose Gartshore to “significant and sustained heat” on the head and body, fatally injuring her.” “This year’s strong El Niño is expected to play a significant role in lessening hurricane activity within the Atlantic.” “The concern is whether he can justify such a significant price rise, but the upside is obvious.” Etymology
From Latin significans, present participle of significare, from signum (“sign”) + ficare (“do, make”), variant of facere.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Domains
- 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
- Very common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/significant
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0