Importance vs. Important: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 2, 2023
"Importance" refers to the quality of being significant or valuable, whereas "important" is an adjective describing something as having great significance or value.
Key Differences
Importance is a noun, representing the state or quality of being important. It denotes significance, value, or prominence in a particular context, making it integral to understanding the worth or value of something. On the other hand, important is an adjective and it is used to describe items, individuals, or concepts that hold significance or value. It’s a descriptive term, elaborating on the relevancy or the necessity of the subject it’s attributing value to, providing depth to the understanding of its role or impact.
While importance signifies the condition of being of great significance, it is often utilized to express the gravity or seriousness of a matter, illustrating the weight it holds in a given circumstance. Important, being an adjective, modifies nouns, illustrating that they hold value or significance. It serves to emphasize the crucial nature of a subject or object, portraying its impact or role in a scenario or a broader context.
Importance is often discussed in contexts where the emphasis is on the impact or consequences of actions or events, providing an understanding of the repercussions or benefits involved. In contrast, important is frequently used to attribute significance to specific elements within a discussion or a situation, highlighting the elements that are crucial to the outcome or understanding of the said scenario.
The term importance can also denote priority or precedence in varied contexts, indicating what needs more attention or what holds more value in a scenario. Meanwhile, the term important is utilized to describe specific entities or elements that should be given precedence or priority due to their significant roles or impact in the given context, guiding focus and attention to what is deemed crucial.
In conveying meaning, importance acts as a conceptual representation of value or significance, allowing for a broader interpretation of the state or quality of being important. Conversely, important is more direct and specific in its application, distinctly attributing significance or value to the noun it is modifying, offering clarity on what is considered valuable or significant in a context.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Noun, represents the state or quality of being important
Adjective, describes something as significant or valuable
Usage
Used to express the gravity or seriousness of a matter
Used to emphasize the crucial nature of a subject or object
Application
Denotes priority or precedence in varied contexts
Modifies specific entities or elements giving them precedence
Conveys
A conceptual representation of value or significance
A direct and specific attribution of significance or value
Indicates
The condition of being of great significance
The specific entities that hold value or significance
ADVERTISEMENT
Importance and Important Definitions
Importance
The quality of having a notable impact or role.
The importance of a balanced diet is crucial to maintaining health.
Important
It describes something as being of great concern or interest.
What’s important is to stay positive.
Importance
It represents the condition of having great value or precedence.
The importance of time management was emphasized in the workshop.
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 state of being important.
The importance of staying hydrated cannot be overstated.
Important
Having high social rank or influence; prominent
Government leaders and other important people.
Importance
Significance attributed to a particular matter.
The importance of this discovery is immense.
Important
Having or suggesting a consciousness of high position or authority; authoritative
Recited the decree with an important air.
Importance
The quality or condition of being important; significance.
Important
(Obsolete) Importunate.
Importance
Personal status; standing
People of great importance.
Important
Having relevant and crucial value.
It is very important to give your daughter independence in her life so she learns from experience.
Importance
(Obsolete) Meaning; import.
Important
(obsolete) Pompous; self-important.
Importance
(Obsolete) Importunity.
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
The quality or condition of being important or worthy of note.
Important
Carrying or possessing weight or consequence; of valuable content or bearing; significant; weighty.
Things small as nothing . . . He makes important.
Importance
Significance or prominence.
Important
Bearing on; forcible; driving.
He fiercely at him flew,And with important outrage him assailed.
Importance
Personal status or standing.
Important
Importunate; pressing; urgent.
Importance
Something of importance.
Important
Of great significance or value;
Important people
The important questions of the day
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
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
Subject; matter.
Upon importance of so slight and trivial a nature.
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
Import; meaning; significance.
The wisest beholder could not say if the importance were joy or sorrow.
Important
Having authority or ascendancy or influence;
An important official
The captain's authoritative manner
Importance
Importunity; solicitation.
At our importance hither is he come.
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
Importance
The quality of being important and worthy of note;
The importance of a well-balanced diet
Important
Holding great significance or value.
It’s important to meet deadlines.
Importance
A prominent status;
A person of importance
Important
Having a notable impact or role in a situation.
An important factor to consider is the budget.
Importance
It denotes priority or emphasis on a particular aspect or subject.
He stressed the importance of being punctual.
Important
Denoting a high degree of significance or value.
Maintaining a balanced diet is important.
Important
Indicating a necessity or a crucial attribute.
It’s important to stay hydrated during hot weather.
FAQs
Can "importance" indicate priority or precedence?
Yes, "importance" can denote what holds more value or what needs more attention in a scenario.
Does "importance" convey the concept of significance or value?
Yes, "importance" conveys the concept or state of being significant or valuable.
Is "important" used to modify nouns?
Yes, "important" is an adjective used to modify nouns to attribute significance or value to them.
Does "important" highlight specific entities that are crucial to an outcome?
Yes, "important" highlights specific entities or elements that are crucial or significant.
Can "important" describe the significance of an object or a concept?
Yes, "important" is an adjective that can describe something as having significance or value.
Can "important" be used to describe the necessity of an element?
Yes, "important" can indicate the necessity or crucial attribute of a specific element or entity.
Is "importance" a noun or an adjective?
"Importance" is a noun representing the state or quality of being important.
Can "importance" represent the condition of having great value?
Yes, "importance" can represent the condition or state of having great value or precedence.
Can "important" be used to illustrate the value of an object or a concept?
Yes, "important" can illustrate that an object, concept, or entity holds value or significance.
Can "importance" denote the quality of having a notable role?
Yes, "importance" denotes the quality or state of having a notable impact or role.
Can "important" offer clarity on what is considered valuable in a context?
Yes, "important" offers a clear and specific attribution of significance or value in a given context.
Does "important" emphasize the relevance of a subject?
Yes, "important" serves to emphasize the relevance or crucial nature of a subject or object.
Is "importance" generally discussed in contexts emphasizing impact or consequences?
Yes, "importance" is often discussed in contexts where the focus is on the impact or consequences of actions or events.
Does "importance" allow for a broader interpretation of significance?
Yes, "importance" allows for a broader interpretation of the state or quality of being important.
Is "importance" used to express the seriousness of a matter?
Yes, "importance" is used to express the gravity or seriousness of a matter.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
