A1adjective1K

Important

UK /["/ɪmˈpɔːtnt/"]/US /["/ɪmˈpɔːrtnt/"]/

Definition

having a great effect on people or things; of great value

In simple words: Something that matters a lot.

Examples

  • It's important to drink enough water every day.
  • The important meeting will start at 3 PM.
  • Reading is important for improving your vocabulary.
  • It's crucial to remember that education is important.
  • Can you tell me why this topic is so important?

Usage notes

Use 'important' for things that have significance or impact. It's appropriate in formal and informal contexts, but in very casual conversation, words like 'big deal' might be more appropriate.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'impor-tent' as a tent for significant events. If it's important, it deserves a big tent!

Collocations

  • be
  • seem
  • sound
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very
  • for
  • to
  • be
  • seem
  • sound
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very
  • for
  • to

Synonyms

  • significant
  • crucial
  • vital
  • essential
  • pivotal

Antonyms

  • unimportant
  • trivial
  • insignificant

Common mistakes

  • Confusing with 'unimportant'—'not important' is the opposite.
  • Using with nouns incorrectly—'important' only describes nouns, not verbs.
  • Overusing—try varying language with synonyms to improve vocabulary.