important

im·por·tant

adj
\im-ˈpȯr-t^ənt, especially Southern & New England -tənt, -dənt\

Definition of IMPORTANT

1

: marked by or indicative of significant worth or consequence : valuable in content or relationship

2

obsolete : importunate, urgent

3

: giving evidence of a feeling of self-importance

See Usage Discussion at importantly

Examples of IMPORTANT

1. Diet and exercise are important for health.
2. In his editorial, he made several important points.
3. Scientists have made an important discovery.
4. Doing her job well is important to her.
5. He's one of the most important scholars in his field.

Origin of IMPORTANT

Middle English importante, from Medieval Latin important-, importans, present participle of importare to signify — more at import

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to IMPORTANT

Synonyms: big, consequential, earthshaking, earth-shattering, eventful, historic, major, material, meaningful, momentous, monumental, much, significant, substantial, tectonic, weighty

Antonyms: inconsequential, inconsiderable, insignificant, little, minor, negligible, slight, small, trifling, trivial, unimportant

Related Words: decisive, fatal, fateful, strategic; earnest, grave, heavy, serious, sincere; distinctive, exceptional, impressive, outstanding, prominent, remarkable; valuable, worthwhile, worthy; distinguished, eminent, great, illustrious, noble, notable, noteworthy, outstanding, preeminent, prestigious; famous, notorious, renowned; all-important, central, critical, crucial, essential, key, pivotal, seminal, vital

Near Antonyms: paltry, petty, worthless; anonymous, nameless, obscure, uncelebrated, unknown

see all synonyms and antonyms

[+]more[-]hide