important

im·por·tant

adjective \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