What does important mean?
Important describes a person, thing, action, or matter that has considerable value, significance, or influence. It is commonly used for decisions, issues, roles, principles, and details that deserve attention because of their consequences. The word is flexible rather than technical: it can mean absolutely essential, as in an important safety precaution, or simply worthy of notice, as in an important difference. Its broad use makes it useful in everyday communication, although more specific terms such as crucial, vital, significant, or consequential can express finer distinctions. In formal and academic writing, important often serves as a general evaluative label, so context is important when determining whether it conveys the intended force.
Of great value, significance, influence, or consequence; deserving particular attention.
"The team made an important contribution to the project."
A general evaluative adjective used in both formal and informal English.
Used to emphasize the significance of a statement or to indicate that a matter matters greatly.
"More importantly, the changes improved the lives of local residents."
Often used in spoken and written English to direct attention to a more consequential point; it can sound slightly emphatic in formal contexts.
The word important originally meant valuable enough to bring in, a reminder that what matters most is often what carries the greatest weight.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of important
The word entered English in the early modern period from the Latin importāns, meaning “of consequence” or “significant.” Latin importāns developed from importāre, literally “to bring in,” which combined the prefix in- and portāre, “to carry.” English import and export preserve cognates associated with this root and its idea of bringing in or carrying out. The modern sense evolved from an association with consequences and weight to the present broad meaning of significance or importance.
Related word forms
How important is actually used
The adjective is widely used in formal and informal contexts. In formal writing, significant, crucial, or essential may provide greater precision depending on the intended degree of importance.
Easily confused with important
Important is an adjective describing something that matters, whereas importance is the noun referring to the quality of being significant or consequential.