important
/ɪmˈpɔːtnt/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪmˈpɔːrtnt/ (ame, ipa) · /im-ˈpȯr-tᵊnt especially Southern US and New England -tənt, -dənt/ (ame, mw)
important — adjective
- importantpositive
- more importantcomparative
- most importantsuperlative
1. Something that is important is so valuable or necessary that it deserves your fu
Something that is important is so valuable or necessary that it deserves your full attention — for instance, the safety rules at a construction site, or the details you must check before signing a contract.
Before the surgery, the doctor carefully explained the most important steps to Élise.
collocation: important steps
Reema checked the important documents twice before sending them to the client.
collocation: important documents
Lucía learned that it is important to save a little money from each paycheck.
For Lien, the most important pool rule is to never run near the deep end.
The teacher helped Hui understand the most important ideas in the science chapter.
- significant
Emphasises noticeable effect or meaning; slightly more formal than important
- essential
Stronger — suggests the thing is absolutely necessary and cannot be done without
- crucial
Even stronger — the outcome depends entirely on this one factor
- vital
Similar to essential, often carries life-or-death or urgent overtones
- unimportant
The direct opposite — having little value or significance
- trivial
Suggests the thing is not just unimportant but also small or petty
文法句型
it is important to + infinitive
important to + noun / pronoun
important for + noun / pronoun
用法筆記
Common in the pattern 'it is important to…' for stating a necessity or priority. The phrase 'important to me' signals personal value, while 'important for me' signals purpose or benefit.
常見錯誤
2. An important person, group, or institution has the power to shape events, influe
An important person, group, or institution has the power to shape events, influence decisions, or affect what other people do — for example, a top government official, a major newspaper, or a leading scientist in their field.
Christopher became an important figure in the local music scene after his album sold well.
collocation: important figure
The prime minister met several important business leaders at the trade summit.
collocation: important business leaders
Dahlia's uncle was an important member of the city's education committee.
The court's ruling was an important moment for equal rights across the country.
Sahil's mother works as an important advisor to the hospital director.
- influential
Directly emphasises the power to affect others; often used for people with wide reach
- powerful
Focuses on having authority or control over resources and decisions
- prominent
Suggests being widely known and respected, often in public life
- leading
Describes someone at the front of a field or organisation
- minor
Describes a person or role with little power or influence
- insignificant
Suggests having no real effect or meaningful role
文法句型
important + noun (figure, person, official, leader, member)
verb + important + noun
用法筆記
Often modifies nouns for people or positions that carry authority — such as figure, leader, official, member, or advisor. In this sense the subject is typically a person, institution, or event, not an abstract concept.
常見錯誤
3. Someone who behaves in an important way acts as if they are more powerful, intel
Someone who behaves in an important way acts as if they are more powerful, intelligent, or valuable than other people, often coming across as arrogant or full of themselves — for instance, speaking in a slow, dramatic tone to seem impressive, or walking into a room as if expecting everyone to pay attention.
Emre spoke in a slow, important voice, as if everyone should listen carefully.
collocation: important voice
The firm's senior partner had an important manner that made new staff feel nervous.
collocation: important manner
Imani thought the guest lecturer sounded important and full of himself during the talk.
The speaker at the conference walked around with an important look on his face.
- arrogant
Similar negative tone but focuses on an inflated sense of one's own worth rather than behaviour
- pompous
Nearly identical in meaning, emphasises an exaggerated sense of dignity
- self-important
The compound form of this same sense; slightly more explicit
- grand
Lighter in tone; can describe theatrical behaviour without the same level of criticism
文法句型
important + noun (voice, manner, look, air, attitude)
seem / sound / look + important
用法筆記
Almost always appears before a noun describing someone's behaviour or appearance (voice, manner, look, air). Unlike sense 2, this meaning expresses criticism or disapproval — never use it as a compliment.