important - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
important Word Meanings
- of great significance or value
- having a major effect or influence
- worthy of being noted or regarded
important Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
important Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ɪmˈpɔː.tənt/
US
/ɪmˈpɔr.tənt/
important Word Etymology
im- (not) + portare (to carry) → Latin → Old French → English. Imagine someone carrying a large, heavy sign that says 'IMPORTANT' to show how crucial something is.
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 lean in and move a marker across the page, listening to the click as it settles. I adjust my grip, decide where to mark what is important, and watch the line change as I push forward. The effort feels like tuning a radio, a steady turn and hold of my attention until what is important comes into clear focus. What I mark then stays in my mind as important, guiding what I do next.
Real Context
Important is a strong word used to describe something that has great significance, value, or influence. It can refer to essential facts, decisions, or events that could change outcomes. In everyday speech, you might say 'It's important to arrive on time,' or 'The report covers important findings.' The word is versatile: you can speak of minor importance in casual contexts or major, even life-altering importance in formal settings. Its synonyms include essential, significant, major, or crucial, but each carries a slightly different nuance. Learners often confuse 'important' with 'expensive' due to the root 'import' in some languages, but this is a false friend in English. Remember that tone matters: 'important' signals priority, not price.
Usage Reminders
- Use with to + verb to express actions that matter; remember it can modify nouns or clauses; avoid overusing for everyday, trivial tasks; pair with synonyms to show nuance; note that most important conveys top priority; keep tone formal in official contexts
Common Misconceptions
- Important does not mean expensive; it is not related to price.
- Important is not the same as necessary; something can be important but not absolutely required.
- It is typically used for things, ideas, or decisions, not people.
- It is not a superlative; you can say more important or most important depending on context.
- Important is not derived from import; they are unrelated words.
Thinking Differences
Important spans significance and priority; learners should note subtle differences with essential, significant, and crucial, and learn collocations like important to do something.
Learning Tips
- Learn common collocations: important to do something, important for someone, important in a context.
- Compare with synonyms: essential, significant, major, crucial to see nuance.
- Practice with real contexts: news, meetings, safety instructions.
- Note noun forms: importance, importantly, importantness in different registers.
- Record examples and review regularly to reinforce nuance.
- Use in speaking/writing with varied tone to convey strength.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'important'?
A.Silly
B.Significant
C.Harmless
D.Unknown
Step 2: Usage
How is the word 'important' used in a sentence?
A.I forgot to do my homework, but it's not that important.
B.This meeting is important for the project's success.
C.I don't care about important matters.
D.I always prioritize unimportant tasks.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is similar to 'important'?
A.Crucial
B.Trivial
C.Negligible
D.Superficial
Step 4: Opposite Words
Which word is the opposite of 'important'?
A.Essential
B.Primary
C.Vital
D.Insignificant
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context would you use the word 'important'?
A.Mentioning an insignificant event
B.Talking about a trivial task
C.Describing a superficial conversation
D.Explaining a crucial decision at work
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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