Word
significantly
Phoneticssig·nif·i·cant·ly, stress on the second syllable
US/sɪɡˈnɪfɪkəntɫi/
UK/sɪɡnˈɪfɪkəntli/
Adverb of degree
Definition
adv. in a way that is large or important enough to be noticed. You use this to show that a change or difference is meaningful.
adv. to a sufficiently great or important degree as to be worthy of attention. Often used to indicate statistical importance or a substantial shift in quantity or quality.
Examples
“The price of gas has risen significantly this month.”
“The new software update significantly improved the battery life of the older laptop models.”
“While the initial results were promising, the researchers noted that the experimental group did not perform significantly better than the control group under standardized conditions.”
Examples
simple
“The price of gas has risen significantly this month.”
contextual
“The new software update significantly improved the battery life of the older laptop models.”
complex
“While the initial results were promising, the researchers noted that the experimental group did not perform significantly better than the control group under standardized conditions.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “significantly” in context.
Verb
01. significantly affect
“The new tax laws will significantly affect small business owners across the country.”
adv + verb
02. significantly alter
“The discovery of these documents could significantly alter our understanding of the war.”
adv + verb
03. significantly associate
“High stress levels are significantly associated with an increased risk of heart disease.”
adv + verb
04. significantly change
“The landscape has significantly changed since the new dam was constructed.”
adv + verb
05. significantly higher
06. significantly less
07. significantly fewer
08. significantly in an ongoing
09. significantly since
10. significantly smaller
11. assign significantly
12. rejection significantly
Usage
Typically modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs; in academic contexts, it specifically implies that a result is unlikely to have occurred by chance.
Pitfall
The results are significant different.
The results are significantly different.
Learners often use the adjective 'significant' to modify another adjective, but an adverb is required.
Real-World Examples
“However, the vibrations then increased significantly and the crew heard a loud bang.” “Zookeepers at Twycross Zoo warn that Brexit significantly affected their ability to move animals between Europe and the UK.” “In a small four-week trial, participants who added one to a healthier diet showed significantly lower depression scores, hinting that a simple dietary change could also support mental well-being.” “Researchers were even able to recreate this effect in resistant tumors, significantly improving survival in mice.” Etymology
From significant + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Grammar
- 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
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/significantly