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

Examples of important in a Sentence

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

This Milan Design Week was an important one for Louis Vuitton. —Liam Hess, Vogue, 10 Apr. 2025

But considering how important loyalty is to David, could the mere possibility that Shauhin was hiding his non-existent idol be enough to turn the Incredible Bulk around? —Dalton Ross, EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025

Food safety Certain undercooked foods can result in illness, making food safety important for everyone. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 10 Apr. 2025

Another important theme seems to be that old money is solid, stable, and immune from consequences, but new money can only rise at its own risk. —Jody Mamone, Hartford Courant, 10 Apr. 2025

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

• all-important
• self-important

Rhymes for important

• unimportant

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