importance - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
importance Word Meanings
- the quality of being significant or valuable
- the state of having great meaning
- the importance of something is its worth or significance
importance Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
importance Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ɪmˈpɔː.təns/
US
/ɪmˈpɔrtəns/
importance Word Etymology
From Latin importare, meaning "to bring in." Root decomposition: im- (in) + portare (to carry) suggests bringing value into a place. Imagine a treasure chest being carried into a room, signifying something valuable being introduced.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I place a small object in front of me and start to move it toward the center of my day. As I adjust its position, I begin to feel what matters most in the mess of tasks. There is a push and pull of attention, a legible effort to keep the big things in view. When I decide what to keep near, the sense of importance quietly settles into the moment.
Real Context
Importance is the quality of being significant or valuable, and it can refer to how much something matters in a given situation. In everyday speech you might talk about the importance of studying, family, or a decision's consequences. The word foregrounds meaning, worth, and impact, rather than physical size. We use it with verbs like have, attach, or assign importance to something. In academic writing, you may discuss the importance and limitations of a theory, or the importance of evidence in argument. Note that importance is often relative: what seems important in one culture or context may be less so in another.
Usage Reminders
- • Don’t confuse importance with urgency.
- • Use 'the importance of' to emphasize significance, not desirability.
- • Remember that importance is relative across cultures and contexts.
- • Distinguish importance from accuracy or magnitude where appropriate.
- • In formal writing, introduce the idea of importance with clear examples.
Common Misconceptions
- Confusing importance with urgency
- Thinking importance equals money, size, or value
- Believing something important is automatically good
- Ignoring cultural or contextual differences
- Using 'important' and 'importance' interchangeably in all contexts
Thinking Differences
For English speakers, importance is often discussed as a value judgment about significance or impact, with clear cultural relativity; learners should watch for overgeneralizing from one domain to another.
Learning Tips
- Learn common collocations: importance of, of great importance, place of importance
- Contrast importance with urgency to avoid common mix-ups
- Practice using in both academic and everyday contexts
- Note cultural/contextual shifts in what is considered important
- Use modifiers like 'great' or 'major' carefully to avoid overstatement
- Compare with similar words: significance, value, worth
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'importance'?
A.a heavy object
B.value or significance
C.a quick movement
D.a type of flower
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'importance' correctly?
A.He importance the cake before cutting it.
B.She emphasized the importance of arriving on time for the meeting.
C.Importance the blue cat jumped over the fence.
D.The mountain's importance was painted blue.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'importance'?
A.speed
B.mountain
C.significance
D.flower
Step 4: Opposite Words
Which word is the opposite of 'importance'?
A.value
B.insignificance
C.priority
D.magnitude
Step 5: Mastery
Can you give a real-life context where this word would be used aloud?
A.Describing the color of a new shirt.
B.Explaining why vaccines are necessary for public health.
C.Counting the number of pages in a book.
D.Telling someone the time of a train departure.
Related Listening
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