Cool MateImportant vs Significant
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| Important | Significant | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Something that matters a lot. | Important or meaning a lot. |
| CEFR level | A1 | B2 |
| Part of speech | adjective | adjective |
| 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. | Used in academic and formal contexts to indicate importance. Avoid in very casual conversations; instead, use simpler words like 'big' or 'important'. |
Frequently asked questions: Important vs Significant
What's the difference between "Important" and "Significant"?
"Important" means: Something that matters a lot. "Significant" means: Important or meaning a lot.
When should I use "Important" and "Significant"?
They can all be used in everyday English.
Are "Important" and "Significant" the same CEFR level?
"Important" is at A1, "Significant" is at B2 on the CEFR scale.