Meaning of Important

1. Stressing the first syllable (IM-por-tunt). 2. Pronouncing the final syllable as 'tant' with a hard 'a' instead of a schwa 'uh'. 3. Dropping the final 't' entirely. 4. Pronouncing the 'i' as a long 'e' (eem-por-tunt).

American Pronunciation

In American English, 'important' is pronounced /ɪmˈpɔːr.tənt/. The primary stress falls on the second syllable 'POR', and the 't' in the final syllable is often pronounced as a quick flap 't' (like a soft 'd').

Say it like this: im-POR-tunt.

British Pronunciation

In British English, it is pronounced /ɪmˈpɔː.tənt/. The primary stress is the same, but the 'r' is silent, and the final 't' is crisper.

Say it like this: im-POR-tunt.

IPA

The IPA transcription is /ɪmˈpɔːr.tənt/. The symbol /ɪ/ is a short 'i', /m/ is 'm', /ˈpɔːr/ is the stressed 'por' sound, /tənt/ is an unstressed 'tuhnt'.

Syllables

'Important' has three syllables: im · por · tant. The breakdown is im-POR-tunt.

Stress

The primary stress is on the second syllable: im-POR-tunt. The first and third syllables are unstressed and reduced.

Pronunciation Tips

• Stress the second syllable heavily: im-POR-tunt.
• The first syllable is a quick 'im', like in 'him'.
• The final syllable is a soft 'tunt', not 'tant' with a hard 'a'.
• Do not stress the first syllable (IM-por-tunt is incorrect).
• In American English, use a flap 't' (sounds like a quick 'd') for the 't' in 'tant'.
• Keep it to exactly three syllables.
• Practice saying 'very important' to feel the natural rhythm.
• Ensure the final 't' is pronounced, even if it is soft.

Etymology

The word 'important' comes from the Latin word 'importare', meaning 'to bring in' or 'to signify'.

History

Entering Middle English in the 15th century via Old French 'important', the word originally meant 'bringing something in' (like goods). It quickly shifted to mean 'bringing consequence' or 'significant'.

Language Origin

'Important' has Latin roots. The prefix 'im-' (in) and 'portare' (to carry) literally mean 'to carry in'.

How Meaning Changed Over Time

Originally referring to the physical act of importing goods, the word underwent semantic broadening. By the 16th century, it meant 'carrying weight' or 'having consequence' in a figurative sense.

Interesting Historical Facts

The connection between 'important' and 'import' (bringing goods into a country) is direct. Both share the Latin root 'importare'. An 'important' matter is one that 'imports' or 'brings in' significant consequences.

Short Definition

Of great significance, value, or consequence; likely to have a profound effect on success, survival, or well-being.

Simple Definition

If something is important, it matters a lot. It is something you need to pay attention to or care about.

Detailed Definition

Important is an adjective describing something that holds great significance, value, or consequence. It can refer to a task that must be done urgently, a person of high status or influence, or an event that significantly impacts future outcomes. It implies that the subject deserves attention and cannot be ignored without negative effects.

Student Definition

Important means something really matters. If you have an important test, you need to study for it. If someone is an important person, they have a lot of power or influence, like a principal or a president.

Writer Definition

For writers, 'important' is an adjective that establishes stakes. Labeling something as important signals to the reader that they should pay attention. However, it can be a 'tell' rather than a 'show'. Writers should use it to define priorities or highlight a character's status, but rely on actions to prove that importance.

Adjective

An adjective modifies a noun or pronoun. 'Important' describes a noun by giving it the quality of significance or high value.

How It Functions

As an adjective, 'important' comes before a noun ('an important meeting') or after a linking verb ('family is important'). It can be modified by adverbs like 'very', 'highly', or 'crucially'.

Grammar Usage

Before a noun: 'He made an important decision.' After a verb: 'This rule is very important.' Prepositions: 'important to [a person]', 'important for [a purpose/outcome]'.

Sentence Placement

'Important' typically appears immediately before the noun it modifies, or directly after a linking verb like 'be', 'seem', or 'become'.

To pronounce "Important" like a native American English speaker, follow these simple steps.

Step 1: The First Syllable

Start with a quick, relaxed 'im' sound, as in 'him' or 'limb'. Keep it brief.

Step 2: The Second Syllable

Hit the 'por' sound hard. In American English, the 'r' is pronounced. This is the stressed syllable, so say it louder and longer.

Step 3: The Final Syllable

End with a soft, unstressed 'tunt' sound. The vowel is a schwa /ə/. Keep this syllable very brief and quiet.

Step 4: Put It Together

Say the full word: im-POR-tunt. Ensure the middle syllable dominates.

"Important" has 3 syllables: im·por·tant.

Breaking the word apart:

• Stress Pattern: Unstressed — Stressed — Unstressed

When you write the word with a syllable break for a dictionary, you write: im·por·tant.

The IPA transcription of "Important" is /ɪmˈpɔːr.tənt/. Let's break down each symbol so you can read it confidently.

Put together, the IPA /ɪmˈpɔːr.tənt/ provides a precise guide on how to articulate the word.

Imagine you have a giant pile of homework, but one essay is due tomorrow while the rest is due next week. The essay due tomorrow is 'important' because it has the most immediate consequence. It matters more right now.

Important isn't just about tasks. People can be important, like a president or a CEO. Historical events are important, like the moon landing. It means the subject has a heavy weight or big impact on the world.

A Simple Diagram

The Key Idea

'Important' is the human way of prioritizing. It assigns weight and consequence to things, telling us what deserves our time, attention, and respect.

Use "Important" in the following contexts. It works in various situations, from casual conversation to formal writing. Below are specific examples where the word fits perfectly.

In Conversation

Discussing priorities.

Example: "I can't go out tonight; I have an important meeting tomorrow."

In School

Highlighting key concepts.

Example: "It is important to read the instructions before starting the test."

In an Essay

Analyzing historical impact.

Example: "The invention of the printing press was a highly important turning point in history."

In Books

Establishing stakes.

Example: "The letter contained important secrets that could topple the kingdom."

In News

Reporting on significant events.

Example: "The president made an important announcement regarding the economy today."

In Movies

Dialogue emphasizing urgency.

Example: "Listen to me, this is the most important thing you will ever do."

In Presentations

Concluding a pitch.

Example: "It is important to remember that our customers are our top priority."

1. Do Not Use 'Important Doing'

While commonly said in casual speech, grammatically it is better to say 'It is important to do' rather than 'It is important doing'.

2. Do Not Use as an Adverb

You cannot say 'He spoke important'. The correct adverb is 'importantly'.

3. Do Not Overuse in Writing

In prose, telling the reader something is 'important' is weak. Show *why* it is important through the characters' reactions.

4. Do Not Use for Trivial Things

If something has no consequence, it is 'unimportant' or 'trivial'. Don't call a TV show 'important' unless it changed culture.

5. Do Not Confuse 'Important to' and 'Important for'

'Important to [person]' means they value it. 'Important for [outcome]' means it helps achieve a goal.

6. Do Not Use 'Importanter'

The comparative is 'more important', not 'importanter'. The superlative is 'most important'.

1. It is important to lock the door when you leave.
2. She plays an important role in our community center.
3. I have an important phone call at 3 PM.
4. Family is the most important thing in my life.
5. He made a very important decision about his career.
6. Please be quiet; I'm listening to an important announcement.
7. Sleep is highly important for your brain.
8. Did you remember to bring the important documents?
9. This letter contains important information about your taxes.
10. It's important to be kind to strangers.

1. The teacher explained the important concepts on the board.
2. It is important to cite your sources in an essay.
3. The history test will cover all the important dates.
4. Maya Angelou is an important figure in American literature.
5. Raising your hand is an important rule in this classroom.
6. The principal shared an important message about safety.
7. Understanding fractions is an important math skill.
8. The field trip is an important part of the science curriculum.
9. He learned an important lesson about cheating.
10. Peer review is an important step in the writing process.

1. We need to discuss an important issue in the board meeting.
2. The client is a very important person; treat them well.
3. Cost is an important factor in our decision.
4. The CEO made an important statement about the merger.
5. It is important to meet the deadline for the launch.
6. Teamwork plays an important role in our success.
7. This contract contains important clauses you must read.
8. The marketing strategy is highly important this quarter.
9. Please prioritize the important tasks first.
10. Safety is an important consideration in the factory.

1. The preservation of human rights is an important global priority.
2. It is important to note that the data is currently incomplete.
3. The ambassador is an important diplomat in the region.
4. Climate change is an important environmental issue.
5. The treaty addresses several important considerations.
6. It is of utmost importance that we act now.
7. The committee evaluated all the important factors.
8. This legislation has important implications for small businesses.
9. Education is an important determinant of future success.
10. The historical document is an important artifact for humanity.

1. Dude, this game is super important, don't distract me.
2. I gotta go, important stuff to do.
3. She gave me the 'important' look, so I stopped talking.
4. It's not important, forget I even brought it up.
5. My mom called, probably something important.
6. This pizza is highly important to my survival right now.
7. He acts like he's the most important guy in the room.
8. Did you bring the important thing for the party?
9. Just hit send, it's not that important.
10. I have an important date with my couch tonight.

1. The ancient scroll contained important secrets of the universe.
2. He was an important man in the village, feared by all.
3. The quest was important, but his friend's life was more so.
4. She realized the important truth too late to save him.
5. The ring was an important symbol of power and kingship.
6. To love, she believed, was the most important thing of all.
7. The general delivered an important speech to the weary troops.
8. The heavy door led to an important room in the castle.
9. He held an important position in the king's court.
10. The moment was important, a turning point in his destiny.

Root Word

importare (Latin)

Derived Forms

By adding suffixes, we get: importance (noun), importantly (adverb), unimportant (adjective), unimportance (noun).

Related Forms

Important, Importance, Importantly, Unimportant, Unimportance, Import, Report, Transport

Prefix & Root Information

The prefix 'un-' can be added to form 'unimportant', meaning lacking significance or consequence.

Rule 1: Comparative and Superlative

Because 'important' has three syllables, it forms comparatives with 'more' and 'most': more important, most important. Never say 'importanter'.

Rule 2: 'Important to' vs. 'Important for'

Use 'important to [a person]' for personal values ('Music is important to me'). Use 'important for [a purpose/health]' for objective benefits ('Sleep is important for health').

Rule 3: Dummy Subject 'It'

Often used with 'It is important to + verb'. Example: 'It is important to study.' The 'it' is a placeholder for the action.

Rule 4: Predicate Adjective

'Important' often follows a linking verb to describe the subject. Example: 'Family is important.'

Rule 5: Noun Form is 'Importance'

To talk about the quality itself, use the noun 'importance'. Example: 'The importance of sleep cannot be overstated.'

Correct Spelling

The correct spelling is important.

Common Misspellings

importent (wrong vowel), importantt (double 't'), imporant (missing 't'), impurtant (wrong first vowel), importint (wrong ending)

Common Typing Mistakes

imporrant (double 'r'), omportant (hitting 'o' instead of 'i'), impottant (hitting 't' instead of 'r'), importamt (hitting 'm' instead of 'n'), importanr (hitting 'r' instead of 't')

• Stress the second syllable heavily: im-POR-tunt.
• The first syllable is a quick 'im', like in 'him'.
• The final syllable is a soft 'tunt', not 'tant' with a hard 'a'.
• Do not stress the first syllable (IM-por-tunt is incorrect).
• In American English, use a flap 't' (sounds like a quick 'd') for the 't' in 'tant'.
• Keep it to exactly three syllables.
• Practice saying 'very important' to feel the natural rhythm.
• Ensure the final 't' is pronounced, even if it is soft.