WordGarden.iosignificance
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /sɪɡnˈɪfɪkəns/
US
- /səɡˈnɪfɪkəns/
Meanings
Noun
the quality of being important, consequential, or central
the meaning or message that something conveys or implies
the degree to which a result is unlikely to be due to chance
Beyond the definition
Significance isn't just about size; it's about what matters. A tiny spark can have great significance if it starts a forest fire, while a large monument might lack significance if no one remembers who built it or why. Think of a family heirloom: its money value might be small, but its significance lies in the memories and history it holds.
You'll often hear about "historical significance," meaning something played an important role in shaping events. But significance can also be personal. The first time you rode a bike or the day you met someone special, for example, can have great significance to you even if those moments seem small to others. It's all about what carries weight and importance.
Significance refers to the quality of being important, meaningful, or consequential. It's not simply about size or quantity; it's about impact and relevance. A seemingly minor event can hold immense significance if it leads to a major change, while something large and impressive might lack significance if it has no lasting effect.
Think of a historical artifact—its significance isn't necessarily in its material value, but in what it tells us about the past. Historians spend years analyzing events to determine their long-term significance. Similarly, scientists look for statistically significant results in experiments, meaning the findings are unlikely to be due to chance and therefore hold real weight.
Significance can also be deeply personal. A song might have great significance because it reminds you of a loved one, or a particular place might be significant because of a cherished memory. We often talk about "the significance of life," pondering its deeper meaning and purpose.
The word is versatile: you can discuss the significance of a discovery (its importance to science), the significance of a gesture (its emotional impact), or the significance of a decision (its consequences). It's about what truly matters, what resonates, and what leaves a lasting impression. So when something has significance, it's not just present—it counts.
Examples
- 1
Old photograph
At first, I didn't understand the significance of the date on the old photograph.
- 2
Health education
The teacher explained the significance of regular exercise for mental health.
- 3
Personal achievement
Winning that scholarship had special significance for her because no one else in her family had gone to university.
- 4
Legal evidence
The new evidence could have real significance for how the case is decided.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Reading tone
He tends to attach too much significance to small changes in her tone.
- Patternattach significance to + thing
think it is important, sometimes more important than it really is
- 6
Study results
The study found no statistical significance in the difference between the two groups.
- Domainstatistical significance
evidence that a result is probably real, not just chance
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
- statistical significance
Used with (collocations)
- the significance of
- great significance
- historical significance
- practical significance
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- significancenoun
Forms
- significancespluralnoun