Main Entry: im·por·tance

Pronunciation: \im-ˈpȯr-t^ən(t)s, especially Southern & New England -tən(t)s, -dən(t)s\

Function: noun

Date: 1508

1 a : the quality or state of being important : consequence b : an important aspect or bearing : significance
2 obsolete : import, meaning
3 obsolete : importunity
4 obsolete : a weighty matter

synonyms 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 <a region with no cities of importance>. consequence generally implies importance because of probable or possible effects <the style you choose is of little consequence>. moment implies conspicuous or self-evident consequence <a decision of great moment>. weight implies a judgment of the immediate relative importance of something <the argument carried no weight with the judge>. significance implies a quality or character that should mark a thing as important but that is not self-evident and may or may not be recognized <the treaty's significance>.