Words / B1

im-PORTNS/ɪmˈpɔːtns/

Importance is how much something matters (uncountable): the importance of; of importance. Important is the adjective (already in the dictionary). Significance is a close twin in essays. Do not write “importances”. Examiners stress the importance of timing.

Meaning

The quality of being important (uncountable; of importance).

Examples

• “The examiner stressed the importance of timing on paper two.”
• “Housing is of central importance in the manifesto.”

Good to know

the importance of; of importance (uncountable). Adjective: important. Essay twin: significance. Not “an importance”. Exam technique.

Near in meaning

significance

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