important

adjective

im·​por·​tant im-ˈpȯr-tᵊnt 

 especially Southern US and New England  -tənt,

-dənt

1

: marked by or indicative of significant worth or consequence : valuable in content or relationship

2

: giving evidence of a feeling of self-importance

3

obsolete : importunate, urgent

Importantly vs. Important: Usage Guide

A number of commentators have objected to importantly as a sentence modifier (the use defined above at sense 1) and have recommended important instead. Actually, both the adverb and the adjective are in reputable standard use in this function. Important is always used with more or most.

had bronze weapons and composite bows; more important, they utilized the horse and war chariot

—Harry A. Gailey, Jr.

second and most important, the book contains no important woman character

—F. Scott Fitzgerald

Importantly is commonly used in similar contexts, but it is somewhat more flexible in not requiring more or most.

sticks and, just as importantly, unsticks easily

—Phoebe Hawkins

importantly, the leaven in the mixture is quality

—George O'Brien

Synonyms

• big
• consequential
• earthshaking
• earth-shattering
• eventful
• historic
• major
• material
• meaningful
• momentous
• monumental
• much
• significant
• substantial
• tectonic
• weighty

Example Sentences

Diet and exercise are important for health.

In his editorial, he made several important points.

Scientists have made an important discovery.

Doing her job well is important to her.

He's one of the most important scholars in his field.

Recent Examples on the Web

Having these conversations is important, and learning more from people already working on these problems. —Ramin Skibba, WIRED, 3 Mar. 2023

Here’s why that’s so important when reporting your phone as stolen. —Kim Komando, USA TODAY, 2 Mar. 2023

The Medicare agency said the risk-adjustment changes are important to update the payment system and ensure its accuracy. —Anna Wilde Mathews, WSJ, 2 Mar. 2023

In the beginning, the company’s products were more vegetable oriented, according to president and owner Reinhard Liebner, and pickling was important. —Cathy Jakicic, Journal Sentinel, 2 Mar. 2023

But his character isn’t important until the real Shriver (Zach Braff) shows up on campus, photo ID and documentation in tow, exposing the janitor’s scam. —Rene Rodriguez, Variety, 2 Mar. 2023

What was important was that the directors felt connected to the material. —Dallas News, 2 Mar. 2023

But maintaining strong alliances is still important, and Parnov's greatest connections are Shonee Bowtell and George Mladenov. —Alicia Vrajlal, refinery29.com, 2 Mar. 2023

Also write down a detailed description and script of the dream itself (writing is important because the act of writing helps to open your mind, prompting thoughts and memories). —Amy Dickinson, Anchorage Daily News, 1 Mar. 2023

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Word History

Etymology

Middle English importante, from Medieval Latin important-, importans, present participle of importare to signify — more at import entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing important

• self-important
• all-important

• self-important
• all-important

Kids Definition

important

adjective

im·​por·​tant im-ˈpȯrt-ᵊnt 

-ənt

1

: having great meaning or influence : significant

an important day to remember

our most important product

an important change

2

: having power or authority

an important leader

3

: believing or acting as if one's importance is greater than it really is

importantly adverb