important
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /ɪmpˈɔːtənt/
US
- /ˌɪmˈpɔrtənt/
Description
- matters a lot
- worth attention
- has great value
- makes a big difference
Something important matters a lot. It deserves attention because it can change what happens or affect how people feel and live. Think about the things that matter most to you, like family, health, work, or a goal you want to reach. These are not just extra things; they have real value in your life.
An important decision might be choosing a job or deciding where to live, while an important event could be a wedding, an exam, or a doctor's visit. Sometimes something is important to you but not to everyone else, like a gift from childhood or a personal memory. Still, safety, health, education, and basic rights are seen as important by most people. You might say, "It's important to drink enough water," or "Reading is very important for children."
The word important describes something that has great value, meaning, or effect. It tells us that a thing, idea, person, or event deserves attention because it can shape what happens next or strongly affect people's lives. Words like "significant," "serious," and "vital" can be similar, but important is broader and more common in everyday English. It can be used for both major life issues and ordinary things that still matter a lot.
The level of importance can be personal. What matters deeply to one person may not matter much to someone else. A family photo may be very important to one person, while another person may care more about a work deadline or a future plan. At the same time, some things are widely seen as important, such as clean water, education, health, safety, and fairness.
Important is usually used as an adjective before a noun, as in "an important meeting" or "important information." It also appears in patterns like "It is important to..." and "It is important that..." For example, you can say, "It is important to ask questions," or "It is important that we arrive on time." You can also say that a person is important, which may mean that they are influential, respected, or simply very valuable to someone.
The phrase "the most important thing" shows the idea of priority. When there are many choices, people try to decide what matters most so they can act wisely. From daily routines to life-changing moments, understanding what is important helps us give time and energy to the things that matter most.
Examples
- 1
Meeting
This is an important meeting, so please be on time.
- 2
Personal values
Family is very important to her.
- 3
Health
Sleep is important for your health.
- 4
Learning
It's important to ask questions when you don't understand something.
- 5
Practical advice
It's important that you keep a copy of the receipt.
- 6
Child development
Teachers play an important role in a child's life.
- 7
Workplace status
He likes his job, but he wants to feel more important at work.
- 8
Main point
The important thing is that everyone understands the plan.
Phrase
The important thing is ...
the main point is ...
- 9
Reminder
One important point to remember is to back up your files.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- importantadjective