Significantly

Definition

The term "significantly" refers to an action or event that has great importance or impact, or to a considerable degree.

Parts of Speech

• Adverb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /sɪɡˈnɪfɪkəntli/
• Respelling: sig-NIF-uh-kunt-lee

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /sɪɡˈnɪfɪkəntli/
• Respelling: sig-NIF-ik-uhnt-lee

Etymology

The word "significantly" comes from the Latin "significare," meaning "to indicate or signify," which is derived from "signum" (sign) and "facere" (to make). It was introduced into English in the late Middle English period.

Derivatives

• Significant (adjective)
• Significance (noun)
• Signify (verb)
• Insignificant (adjective)
• Significantly less (phrase)

Synonyms

• Importantly
• Considerably
• Substantially

Antonyms

• Insignificantly
• Negligibly
• Trivially

Usage

The term "significantly" is often used in both formal and informal contexts to emphasize importance or magnitude. For example, "The results have significantly improved over the past year," or "She was significantly affected by the news."

Related Terms

• Importance: The state or fact of being significant.
• Magnitude: The size or extent of something.
• Impact: The effect or influence of an action or event.

Detailed Definitions

Adverb

• To a great extent or in a way that is important: — highlights that the change is large or noticeable.
  • Example: "The company's profits increased significantly this quarter."
• In a way that conveys a particular meaning: — used for speech or actions that communicate a hidden or pointed message.
  • Example: "He looked at her significantly, suggesting he knew the secret."