important

UK: ɪmˈpɔːt(ə)nt | US: ɪmˈpɔːrt(ə)nt

Definition

  1. adj. of great significance or value

  2. adj. having influence or authority

  3. adj. (archaic) pompous or self-important

Structure
im <in>port <carry>ant <adjective suffix>im <in>port <carry>ant <adjective suffix>
Etymology

important = im<in> + port<carry> + ant<adjective suffix>

  • im<in>: Prefix meaning "in" or "into" (from Latin in-).
  • port<carry>: Root meaning "to carry" (from Latin portare).
  • ant<adjective suffix>: Suffix forming adjectives (from Latin -antem).

Etymology Origin:
The word "important" originates from Latin importare ("to bring in, carry into"), combining in- (into) and portare (to carry). Initially, it described something physically "carried in," but by the 16th century, it evolved metaphorically to signify "bearing weight in significance or influence." The suffix -ant solidified its role as an adjective.

Examples

  1. It is important to drink water daily for good health.

  2. She played an important role in the project’s success.

  3. His important demeanor made him unpopular among colleagues.

  4. This document contains important legal details.

  5. The discovery was important for scientific progress.