n.
Pronunciation: im- ' po ̇ r-t ə n(t)s, esp Southern & NewEng -t ə n(t)s, -d ə n(t)s
Function: noun
Date: 1508
1 a : the quality or state of being important : CONSEQUENCE b : an important aspect or bearing : SIGNIFICANCE
2 obsolete : IMPORT , MEANING
3 obsolete : IMPORTUNITY
4 obsolete : a weighty matter
synonyms IMPORTANCE , CONSEQUENCE , MOMENT , WEIGHT , SIGNIFICANCE mean a quality or aspect having great worth or significance. IMPORTANCE implies a value judgment of the superior worth or influence of something or someone <a region with no cities of importance >. CONSEQUENCE generally implies importance because of probable or possible effects <the style you choose is of little consequence >. MOMENT implies conspicuous or self-evident consequence <a decision of great moment >. WEIGHT implies a judgment of the immediate relative importance of something <the argument carried no weight with the judge>. SIGNIFICANCE implies a quality or character that should mark a thing as important but that is not self-evident and may or may not be recognized <the treaty's significance >.