Definition of significant
1 : having meaning; especially : suggestive a significant glance
2a : having or likely to have influence or effect : important a significant piece of legislation; also : of a noticeably or measurably large amount a significant number of layoffs producing significant profitsb : probably caused by something other than mere chance statistically significant correlation between vitamin deficiency and disease
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Examples of significant in a Sentence
Historians of ancient gender have seen this as crucially significant. Women in antiquity were by definition so disempowered that the authority of a new female ruler could only be captured by representing her in the guise of a man. Or so the argument goes. —Mary Beard, New York Review of Books, 12 Feb. 2009
While Congress will take a significant role in designing new regulation and is not likely to rubber-stamp the administration's proposals, momentum is strong for the creation of comprehensive financial reform. —Marc I. Seltzer et al., Commonweal, 19 June 2009
A new study on women and the media from the University of Missouri-Columbia shows that overweight women and women with eating disorders are not the only ones negatively affected by unrealistic advertisements (as previous studies have indicated). After viewing images of models, women of all sizes reported a significant decrease in satisfaction with their weight, hair, physical shape and sexual attractiveness. —Ms., Summer 2007
One of [Charles] Darwin's most extraordinary qualities was his ability to recognize when a scientific question could not be answered because of the limitations of the science of his day. He knew, for instance, that during his lifetime, no significant progress would be made on the question of how life began. —Amy Stewart, Wilson Quarterly, Winter 2004
A significant number of customers complained about the service.
He won a significant amount of money.
There is a significant difference in prices between the two stores.
The study found a statistically significant decrease in symptoms in patients who had taken the drug.
a significant event in the history of our nation
Fish is a significant part of their diet.
It is significant that she never mentioned him.
He gave us a significant wink.
Recent Examples of significant from the Web
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Of several big changes expected when Ogg takes office Jan. 1, the most significant is likely to be the end of jailing suspects in low-level, nonviolent drug cases.
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The longwall machine can produce about 25,000 tons daily, a significant improvement on traditional underground methods, which typically produce up to 2,000 tons of coal a day in a section.
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Now, the country is attempting to formalize the importance of one of its greatest global contributions by seeking a UNESCO designation—but not for any significant building or historic practice.
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But the formation of a single government still faces significant hurdles, including opposition from powerful Libyan factions.
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But while your faves often post photos getting cozy with their significant other on Instagram, or share sweet messages with each other on Twitter, sometimes their private lives are just that: private.
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All of this is significant, Petticrew says, because Selye's influence over our ideas about stress are hard to overstate.
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The even more significant difference, of course, is the one that divides jet engines from propellers.
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5) The last environmental factor to look at is relationships--not just with your spouse or significant other but with your friends and family.
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Origin and Etymology of significant
Latin significant-, significans, present participle of significare to signify
First Known Use: 1579
SIGNIFICANT Defined for English Language Learners
significant
playDefinition of significant for English Language Learners
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: large enough to be noticed or have an effect
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: very important
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: having a special or hidden meaning
SIGNIFICANT Defined for Kids
significant
playDefinition of significant for Students
1 : having a special or hidden meaning The teacher gave them a significant smile.
2 : important 1 These changes are significant.
3 : large enough to be noticed He donated a significant amount of money.
Medical Dictionary
significant
playMedical Definition of significant
: probably caused by something other than mere chance a statistically significant correlation between diet and disease
significantly
adverbLearn More about significant
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for significant Spanish Central: Translation of significant Nglish: Translation of significant for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of significant for Arabic speakers
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