Meaning of Word
Significant refers to something that is important, meaningful, or noteworthy in a particular context. It indicates that something has a substantial impact, importance, or value.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- Important or meaningful; having a major effect or influence.
- Having a special meaning or implications that are not immediately obvious.
- Considerable in size, number, or degree, making it notable or worthy of attention.
History and Origin
The word significant comes from the Latin word significans, meaning “indicating” or “meaning,” from significare, meaning “to signify” or “to indicate.” It entered the English language in the 15th century, initially referring to something that conveyed a message or meaning. Over time, it expanded to include any item or event that had a notable impact or importance.
Detailed Explanation
Significant is used to describe things, events, actions, or numbers that are considered important, impactful, or worthy of attention. In everyday usage, it can refer to something that stands out or has a notable influence on a situation, person, or outcome. In more formal contexts, “significant” may refer to statistical or scientific relevance, indicating that something is unlikely to have occurred by chance or is relevant to understanding a particular phenomenon. The term emphasizes meaning and impact, whether in emotional, social, scientific, or cultural contexts.
Example Sentences
- The significant changes in the economy affected all businesses.
- Her contribution to the project was significant and highly appreciated.
- The significant difference in their test scores was a clear indication of improvement.
- This discovery has significant implications for the future of medicine.
- The significant rise in temperature has caused concern among scientists.
- He made a significant donation to the charity, helping fund several projects.
- The meeting discussed significant issues that could affect the company’s future.
- A significant number of people attended the protest, demanding change.
- The significant increase in sales made the company’s year-end report much more favorable.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Important – Of great value or consequence.
- Meaningful – Carrying significance or a purpose beyond the obvious.
- Noteworthy – Worthy of attention due to its importance or interest.
- Considerable – Large in amount or degree, making it important or noticeable.
- Substantial – Having great importance or size, often used in financial or quantitative contexts.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Impactful – Having a strong effect or influence.
- Crucial – Extremely important, often used in critical situations.
- Momentous – Of great importance, especially in terms of lasting impact.
- Pivotal – Involving a critical turning point or essential moment.
- Key – Essential or fundamental to understanding a situation or outcome.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Influential – Having the power to affect or shape events, decisions, or outcomes.
- Relevant – Closely connected to the matter at hand, adding importance.
- Critical – Having great importance, often in a decisive moment.
- Valuable – Worth a great deal of importance, especially in terms of usefulness or impact.
- Prominent – Standing out due to importance, visibility, or distinction.
Antonyms
- Insignificant
- Minor
- Trivial
- Negligible
- Unimportant
