important

Definitions

The prefix im- (a form of in-, meaning "into") combines with the root port ("carry") to form the Latin verb importāre, "to carry in, to bring in." Something "carried into" a situation bears weight and consequence. The suffix -ant forms an adjective, giving "carrying weight" → "significant, mattering greatly."

Why It Means This

Important traces back to Latin importāre, literally "to carry into." The idea is that something important is "carried into" consideration — it bears weight and cannot be ignored. Over time the meaning shifted from the physical act of bringing something in to the abstract sense of significance and consequence. If something is important, it matters enough to demand attention.

Common Collocations

• 1.important role重要角色
• 2.important factor重要因素
• 3.important decision重要决定
• 4.important issue重要问题
• 5.vitally important至关重要的

Example Sentences

• 1.

  Education is an important factor in personal development.

• 2.

  This meeting is important for the future of the company.

• 3.

  It is important to stay calm during an emergency.

• 4.

  She became an important figure in the civil rights movement.

Easily Confused

Important vs. significant: both mean "mattering greatly," but significant often implies statistical or measurable weight, while important is broader and more general.

Synonym Comparison