important Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective of great significance or value
    of import.
    • important people
    • the important questions of the day
  2. adjective important in effect or meaning
    significant.
    • a significant change in tax laws
    • a significant change in the Constitution
    • a significant contribution
    • significant details
    • statistically significant
  3. adjective of extreme importance; vital to the resolution of a crisis
    crucial.
    • a crucial moment in his career
    • a crucial election
    • a crucial issue for women
  4. adjective satellite having authority or ascendancy or influence
    authoritative.
    • an important official
    • the captain's authoritative manner
  5. adjective satellite having or suggesting a consciousness of high position
    • recited the decree with an important air
    • took long important strides in the direction of his office

WordNet

Im*por"tant adjective
Etymology
F. important. See Import, v. t.
Definitions
  1. Full of, or burdened by, import; charged with great interests; restless; anxious. Obs.
    Thou hast strength as much As serves to execute a mind very important. Chapman.
  2. Carrying or possessing weight or consequence; of valuable content or bearing; significant; weighty.
    Things small as nothing . . . He makes important. Shak.
  3. Bearing on; forcible; driving. Obs.
    He fiercely at him flew, And with important outrage him assailed. Spenser.
  4. Importunate; pressing; urgent. Obs. Shak. Syn. -- Weighty; momentous; significant; essential; necessary; considerable; influential; serious.

Webster 1913