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

Under the Lanham Act, proof of intentional infringement is important for such cases to be awarded in punitive damage—meaning that $53.6 million of the original award will not be granted. —Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 7 Jan. 2025

Customizable options, such as adjustable waistbands will also be important. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 7 Jan. 2025

What To Expect In 2025 President Donald Trump’s second term in the White House is expected to have an important impact on the class action lawsuit landscape. —Edward Segal, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025

What's important is that the occupier cannot currently redirect all this force to other directions, in particular the Donetsk, Sumy, Kharkiv or Zaporizhzhia regions. —David Brennan, ABC News, 7 Jan. 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

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