insignificant

UK: ˌɪnsɪɡˈnɪfɪkənt | US: ˌɪnsɪɡˈnɪfɪkənt

Definition

  1. adj. lacking importance, influence, or meaning; trivial

  2. adj. too small or minor to be worth consideration

Structure
in <not>sign <mark>ificant <making>
Etymology

insignificant = in<not> + sign<mark> + ificant<making>

  • in: Prefix meaning "not" (from Latin in-).
  • sign: Root meaning "mark" or "symbol" (from Latin signum).
  • ificant: Suffix derived from Latin -ficantem, meaning "making" or "doing."

Etymology Origin:
The word "insignificant" originates from Latin insignificans, combining in- (not) + significare (to signify, from signum "mark"). It evolved through French insignifiant before entering English in the 16th century. The core idea is "not making a mark" or "not worthy of attention," reflecting its modern meaning of triviality or unimportance.

Examples

  1. The error was so insignificant that no one noticed it.

  2. He dismissed her concerns as insignificant.

  3. The difference in price is insignificant compared to the quality.

  4. Her role in the project seemed insignificant at first.

  5. The amount of rainfall this month was insignificant for the drought.