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important

adjective
im·​por·​tant | \ im-ˈpȯr-tᵊnt How to pronounce important (audio) , especially Southern US and New England -tÉ™nt, -dÉ™nt\

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
Other Words from important Synonyms & Antonyms Importantly vs. Important: Usage Guide Example Sentences Learn More about important

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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

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.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Games like this are vitally important because there's another opportunity to assure survival of these institutions. ... — Marc Bona, cleveland.com, "Why is the Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic important?," 31 Aug. 2019 His vision and defensive work will be important in breaking down the Clarets. — SI.com, "Liverpool: The XI That Should Start Against Burnley," 30 Aug. 2019 Public accountability is important in public service, as I am entrusted with upholding the values of this public institution in an ethical and legal manner. — William Perry Pendley, The Denver Post, "William Perry Pendley: Rebutting a popular myth about my position on public lands," 30 Aug. 2019 Just so many things and realizing how important those things were at that time ... — Ed Masley, azcentral, "Chart-topping violinist Lindsey Stirling comes home to Mesquite High School," 30 Aug. 2019 The anonymity that is key to AA is especially important in Moldova, where stigma around alcoholism is strong. — Madeline Roache / Puhoi, Time, "'You’re Not a Person if You Don’t Drink.' How This Tiny European Country Developed the World's Worst Drinking Problem," 29 Aug. 2019 Over the years, Tepper and others have identified some of the most important on-the-job triggers that can turn potentially decent bosses into jerks. — Chris Woolston, Quartz at Work, "How to deal with an abusive boss," 29 Aug. 2019 Third-down efficiency is the next most important statistic in Baldwin’s opinion. — Joe Naiman, Ramona Sentinel, "Bulldogs fall to Olympian gridders," 28 Aug. 2019 As the millions of Fitbit users can attest, maybe the most important piece of fitness equipment is other people. — Adrienne So, WIRED, "Fitbit Wants to Be Your One-Stop Health Care Shop," 28 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'important.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of important

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for important

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

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More Definitions for important

important

adjective
How to pronounce important (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of important

: having serious meaning or worth : deserving or requiring serious attention
: having power, authority, or influence

See the full definition for important in the English Language Learners Dictionary

important

adjective
im·​por·​tant | \ im-ˈpȯr-tᵊnt How to pronounce important (audio) \

Kids Definition of important

1 : having serious meaning or worth Graduation is an important event in your life.
2 : having power or authority an important leader

Other Words from important

importantly adverb

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More from Merriam-Webster on important

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for important

Spanish Central: Translation of important

Nglish: Translation of important for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of important for Arabic Speakers

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