Academic / B2

sig-NIF-ik-uh-nt/sɪɡˈnɪfɪkənt/

Significant means large or meaningful enough to notice, especially in size, effect, or statistics. Important is about value or priority: a small detail can be important without being significant in scale. Collocations include a significant increase / difference / number and statistically significant; it is a favourite in reports, and can sound heavy in casual chat.

Meaning

Large or important enough to notice.

Examples

• “There has been a significant improvement in her English.”
• “There was a significant drop in attendance after the fee rose.”
• “The finding is interesting but not statistically significant.”

Good to know

significant increase / difference. Contrast: important (value), not always size.

Near in meaning

notable

Topics

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