important
im-POR-tuhnt/ɪmˈpɔɹ.tənt/UKim-PAW-tuhnt/ɪmˈpɔː.tənt/
- 1Mattering a great deal, so it should not be ignored or forgotten.
Like a key you cannot leave behind: you need it to get where you're going.
Getting enough sleep is important for your health.
She had an important meeting with her boss this afternoon.
UsageSay it is important to do something, and important to someone.
Similarsignificant, major, crucial, key, vital
Oppositeunimportant, insignificant, minor, trivial
Note
- 2Acting proud and showing off, as if you matter more than everyone else.
UsageToday people say self-important or pompous for this.
Note
Use it in a sentence
Write your own sentence with important, and AI will tell you whether it fits and which meaning you used.
Origin
This word came into Middle English from Medieval Latin. It can be seen as 'import' (to be important) plus '-ant'.
Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 2 facts
- Important entered Middle English from Medieval Latin. en.wiktionary.org
- Important can be analysed as import, meaning 'to be important', plus -ant. en.wiktionary.org