importance, consequence, moment, weight, significance mean a quality or aspect having great worth or significance. importance implies a value judgment of the superior worth or influence of something or someone. The significance of something is the importance that it has, usually because it will have an effect on a situation or shows something about a situation.

Understanding the Context

They were offered a few cosmetic improvements to their working conditions, but nothing of significance. And what might be the underlying significance of these supposedly random acts of violence? The state or quality of being significant: a matter of some significance. See Synonyms at importance.

Key Insights

2. A meaning that is expressed or implied: What was the significance of that smile? sig nif′i can cy (-kən-sē) n. American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. significance, n.

Final Thoughts

meanings, etymology, pronunciation and more in the Oxford English Dictionary importance; consequence:the significance of the new treaty. meaning; import:The familiar place had a new significance for her. the quality of being significant or having a meaning:to give significance to dull chores. Significance refers to the importance or relevance of something, often characterized by its potential impact, influence, or value. It can also refer to the measure of statistical likelihood or probability, usually in the context of data analysis or research outcomes. Definition of significance.

English dictionary and integrated thesaurus for learners, writers, teachers, and students with advanced, intermediate, and beginner levels. An item's significance is a sign of its importance. The significance of something can be implicit or explicit — meaning it can be clear or only known with a deeper understanding of the situation.