Importance vs. Important — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 17, 2023
Importance is the quality of being significant or valuable, while Important refers to something that holds significance or value.
Difference Between Importance and Important
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Importance is a noun that denotes the quality or state of being of great significance or consequence. On the other hand, Important is an adjective that describes something as having great significance or consequence.
Importance is used to convey the significance or relevance of a matter, topic, or subject. For instance, one might discuss the importance of voting in a democratic society. Meanwhile, Important is utilized to emphasize the significance of a specific item, person, or event. For example, an "important document" is one that holds considerable relevance or value.
When discussing the relevance or value of something, one might speak about its level or degree of importance. In contrast, when describing objects, people, or events, the term important can be applied to stress their crucial nature or essential role.
To illustrate further, consider the notion of health. One could argue about the importance of maintaining good health in leading a fulfilling life. On the other hand, one could say that regular check-ups are important for health monitoring.
In summary, while both words relate to the concept of significance or value, Importance serves as a measure or quality, and Important is used to describe things, people, or concepts that hold that quality.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Noun
Adjective
Definition
The quality or state of being significant
Having great significance
Usage
Describes the degree of significance
Describes items, people, or concepts of significance
Example
"The importance of the discovery was unmatched."
"This is an important discovery."
Synonyms
Significance, relevance, consequence
Crucial, vital, essential
Compare with Definitions
Importance
The state of having great value or consequence.
The importance of this research cannot be understated.
Important
Holding great significance or value.
This is an important decision for our company.
Importance
The quality of being significant.
The importance of the event was recognized by all.
Important
Influential or impactful in nature.
She's an important figure in the art world.
Importance
A measure of relevance or worth.
His contribution held immense importance for the team.
Important
Carrying weight or consequence.
This is an important point in our discussion.
Importance
The state of being influential or pivotal.
The importance of her role in the project was evident.
Important
Pivotal or central to a concept or event.
The main character plays an important role in the story.
Importance
The quality or condition of being important or worthy of note.
Important
Strongly affecting the course of events or the nature of things; significant
An important message that must get through.
Close friends who are important to me.
Importance
The quality or condition of being important; significance.
Important
Having high social rank or influence; prominent
Government leaders and other important people.
Importance
Personal status; standing
People of great importance.
Important
Having or suggesting a consciousness of high position or authority; authoritative
Recited the decree with an important air.
Importance
(Obsolete) Meaning; import.
Important
(Obsolete) Importunate.
Importance
(Obsolete) Importunity.
Important
Having relevant and crucial value.
It is very important to give your daughter independence in her life so she learns from experience.
Importance
Significance or prominence.
Important
(obsolete) Pompous; self-important.
Importance
Personal status or standing.
Important
Full of, or burdened by, import; charged with great interests; restless; anxious.
Thou hast strength as muchAs serves to execute a mind very important.
Importance
Something of importance.
Important
Carrying or possessing weight or consequence; of valuable content or bearing; significant; weighty.
Things small as nothing . . . He makes important.
Importance
The quality or state of being important; consequence; weight; moment; significance.
Thy own importance know,Nor bound thy narrow views to things below.
Important
Bearing on; forcible; driving.
He fiercely at him flew,And with important outrage him assailed.
Importance
Subject; matter.
Upon importance of so slight and trivial a nature.
Important
Importunate; pressing; urgent.
Importance
Import; meaning; significance.
The wisest beholder could not say if the importance were joy or sorrow.
Important
Of great significance or value;
Important people
The important questions of the day
Importance
Importunity; solicitation.
At our importance hither is he come.
Important
Important in effect or meaning;
A significant change in tax laws
A significant change in the Constitution
A significant contribution
Significant details
Statistically significant
Importance
The quality of being important and worthy of note;
The importance of a well-balanced diet
Important
Of extreme importance; vital to the resolution of a crisis;
A crucial moment in his career
A crucial election
A crucial issue for women
Importance
A prominent status;
A person of importance
Important
Having authority or ascendancy or influence;
An important official
The captain's authoritative manner
Importance
A status granted due to significance.
The city has gained importance as a major tech hub.
Important
Having or suggesting a consciousness of high position;
Recited the decree with an important air
Took long important strides in the direction of his office
Important
Essential or crucial to a matter.
It's important to drink water regularly.
Common Curiosities
How can I describe the relevance of a topic?
You can discuss its "importance" or say the topic is "important."
Can I say something is of high Importance?
Yes, that's a correct usage to indicate something is highly significant.
How about Important?
It is an adjective.
Can Important describe a person?
Yes, like "She is an important figure in the community."
"It's ________ to stay hydrated"?
"It's important to stay hydrated."
"The ________ of this matter is clear"?
"The importance of this matter is clear."
Is it right to say "an important importance"?
While grammatically correct, it's redundant and not commonly used.
Can Importance be used in terms of hierarchy?
Yes, for example, "The importance of the general in the army is high."
What part of speech is Importance?
It is a noun.
Important or Importance?
Neither is inherently more formal; it depends on context.
Is "crucial" a synonym for Important?
Yes, both imply something of great significance.
Can I replace Important with Importance in a sentence?
Not directly, as their grammatical roles differ. Contextual adjustments are needed.
Does Importance always imply positivity?
Not necessarily. Something can have negative importance too, depending on context.
Are there contexts where both words are interchangeable?
No, because they serve different grammatical functions.
Can something be unimportant but still have importance?
It sounds contradictory. If something has importance, it's generally considered important.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
