Significant

Definition

The term "significant" describes something that is important, meaningful, or worthy of attention. It can also refer to something that carries substantial influence or effect.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /sɪɡˈnɪf.ɪ.kənt/
• Respelling: sig-NIF-ih-kənt

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /sɪɡˈnɪf.ɪ.kənt/
• Respelling: sig-NIF-ih-kənt

Etymology

The word "significant" originates from the Latin "significare," meaning "to signify" or "to make known." It combines "signum," meaning "sign," and "facere," meaning "to make or do." The term entered English in the 16th century.

Derivatives

• Significance (noun)
• Significantly (adverb)
• Insignificant (adjective)
• Significative (adjective)
• Resignificant (adjective)

Synonyms

• Important
• Notable
• Meaningful

Antonyms

• Insignificant
• Unimportant
• Trivial

Usage

The term "significant" is widely used in contexts where importance or impact is emphasized. For example: "The discovery was significant for medical research," or "The changes had a significant effect on the outcome."

Related Terms

• Signify: To convey or indicate meaning.
• Importance: The quality of being important or influential.
• Meaning: The definition or implication of something.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Important or meaningful: Refers to having considerable importance or value.
  • Example: "This event is significant in our history."
• Indicative of something: Refers to serving as a sign or evidence of something.
  • Example: "The findings were significant of a deeper problem."
• Large enough to be noticed: Refers to a quantity or effect that is substantial or notable.
  • Example: "The experiment yielded significant results."