Reading Theme:
Important Definition, Examples, and Common Usage (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：highly significant (important)
important
/ɪmˈpɔːrtənt/
adj.
having great value or influence, so that you need to pay attention to it.
highly significant
➕
/ˈhaɪli sɪɡˈnɪfɪkənt/
adj.
Having great value or influence; something that requires attention because it affects outcomes.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'importare' (im- 'in' + portare 'to carry'), meaning 'to bring in' or 'to be of consequence'.
💡 Mnemonic
Imagine cargo (port) brought inward (im) – that cargo is important.
📖 Example
Getting enough sleep before an exam is important for your memory and focus.
Getting enough sleep before an exam is highly significant for your memory and focus.
🔗 Collocations
important factor – a crucial element that influences a result
important role – a function that has a major effect
important decision – a choice that carries significant consequences
🔄 Synonyms
significant (adj.) – Sufficiently great or notable to deserve attention.
crucial (adj.) – Decisive or critical in determining the outcome.
vital (adj.) – Absolutely necessary or essential.
🚫 Antonyms
unimportant (adj.) – Lacking importance or significance.
trivial (adj.) – Of little value or importance.
insignificant (adj.) – Too small or unimportant to be worth consideration.
🌱 Derivatives
importance (n.) – The quality of being important.
importantly (adv.) – In a way that is significant.
unimportant (adj.) – Not important.
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Latin 'importans', participle of 'importare' (to bring in). Originally used in commerce for goods brought into a country, then metaphorically for matters brought to attention as significant.
Meaning 2：influential (important)
important
/ɪmˈpɔːrtənt/
adj.
describing a person or position that has a lot of authority and is respected by others.
influential
➕
/ˌɪnfluˈenʃəl/
adj.
Describing a person or position that holds authority, power, or respect, often shaping decisions or opinions.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
In our family, my grandfather is the most important person when making big decisions.
In our family, my grandfather is the most influential person when making big decisions.
🔗 Collocations
important person – an individual with authority or high status
important position – a role that carries responsibility and influence
important figure – a prominent person in a particular field
🔄 Synonyms
authoritative (adj.) – Having or showing power and influence.
prestigious (adj.) – Respected and admired, usually because of its reputation.
respected (adj.) – Held in high regard by others.
🚫 Antonyms
unimportant (adj.) – Not having significant influence or authority.
minor (adj.) – Lesser in importance or rank.
insignificant (adj.) – Not worthy of notice or influence.
🌱 Derivatives
importance (n.) – The quality of being important.
importantly (adv.) – In an important manner.
unimportant (adj.) – Not important.
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