significance
significance — noun
1. the degree to which something matters, especially in terms of its effect on late
the degree to which something matters, especially in terms of its effect on later events or results
The significance of the discovery became clear when it helped doctors treat a rare disease.
the significance of [something] + became clear
Few people at the time understood the full significance of Nia's research on clean water.
understood the full significance of [something]
The mayor gave a speech about the significance of the new library for the community.
Sahil's promotion was an event of great significance for everyone in the office.
of great significance
The discovery of insulin is widely regarded as a medical breakthrough of lasting significance.
of lasting significance
- great significance
- full significance
- real significance
- lasting significance
- historical significance
- significance of something
- understand the significance
- grasp the significance
- realize the significance
- recognize the significance
- importance
the closest synonym; interchangeable in most contexts
- consequence
more formal and often emphasises the result or outcome of something
- weight
less common; suggests seriousness or heavy impact rather than general importance
- magnitude
focuses on the large scale or size of something rather than its value or meaning
- insignificance
the direct opposite; the state of being unimportant
- unimportance
more straightforward and less formal than insignificance
Grammar Patterns
the significance of [something]
[something] of [adjective] significance
Usage Note
When referring to importance, significance is usually uncountable. It commonly appears with adjectives such as great, real, full, and lasting. Frequent in academic, professional, and formal writing.
Common Mistakes
2. an understood or felt message that is not communicated in a direct, open way — f
an understood or felt message that is not communicated in a direct, open way — for example, the hidden idea behind a gesture, symbol, tradition, or choice of words
Sari wondered if there was a deeper significance to her grandmother's old photograph.
deeper significance to [something]
There was a special significance to the old key that Talia found in the drawer.
special significance to [something]
Joon did not grasp the significance of the local hand gestures at first.
grasp the significance of [something]
Andrew read the letter several times, searching for any hidden significance in his father's words.
hidden significance in [something]
The ceremony had special significance for the community, marking a tradition passed down through generations.
- deeper significance
- special significance
- hidden significance
- real significance
- symbolic significance
- significance of something
- grasp the significance
- understand the significance
- attach significance to
- take on significance
- significance for someone
- significance to someone
- meaning
more general; covers both literal and implied meanings
- implication
suggests something suggested indirectly, often with consequences attached
- sense
can refer to a particular interpretation or way of understanding something
- import
very formal; often refers to the deeper or underlying meaning of a statement
Grammar Patterns
the significance of [something]
[something] has [adjective] significance for/to [someone]
Usage Note
This sense differs from sense 1 (IMPORTANCE) in that it focuses on understood or felt meaning rather than measurable importance. When you say something has significance in this sense, you emphasize the message or idea it carries, not its impact or value.