significant
/sɪɡˈnɪfɪkənt/ (bre, ipa) · /sɪɡˈnɪfɪkənt/ (ame, ipa) · /sig-ˈni-fi-kənt/ (ame, mw)
significant — adjective
- significantpositive
- more significantcomparative
- most significantsuperlative
1. A significant amount, change, or event is big enough for people to notice or for
A significant amount, change, or event is big enough for people to notice or for it to have a real effect.
There is a significant difference between the two teaching methods, according to the report.
Dr. Shanti’s research made a significant contribution to heart disease treatment.
significant contribution to [field]
Brandon saw a significant change in his test scores after he started studying daily.
The economic benefits of the new policy were significant for small businesses.
For Putri, the improvement in her physical health was significant after just three weeks.
- important
Broader term; can describe subjective value as well as measurable effect
- notable
Suggests something is worth noticing, often on a smaller scale than significant
- substantial
Emphasises size or amount rather than importance or effect
- considerable
Focuses on large quantity or degree, without necessarily implying consequence
- insignificant
Not important or large enough to matter
- minor
Small in size, degree, or importance
- negligible
So small or unimportant that it can be ignored
文法句型
significant + noun
be + significant
it is significant that + clause
用法筆記
Frequently modifies nouns of measurable change such as difference, increase, decline, impact, or contribution. In academic and formal writing, significant is preferred over big or important to describe effects that can be observed or measured.
常見錯誤
❗ 'She played a significant role in the school play.' ✅ 'She played an important role in the school play.' — significant usually describes measurable effects or changes, not personal or subjective importance.
2. Describes a look, word, gesture, or object that carries a special meaning, espec
Describes a look, word, gesture, or object that carries a special meaning, especially one that only certain people recognise or that is not immediately obvious.
Roya gave her brother a significant look when their father mentioned the surprise trip.
significant look / glance
In their family, the old oak tree has a significant meaning that only relatives understand.
has a significant meaning
Feng nodded in a significant way that told his colleague the deal was not real.
The song contains a significant reference to an event that happened years ago.
Pedro and Élise exchanged a significant glance during the meeting that no one else noticed.
- meaningful
Broader term; can describe personal emotional value as well as hidden meaning
- telling
Reveals something about a situation, often unintentionally
- expressive
Focuses on facial expressions or gestures that show feelings
- suggestive
Hints at something without stating it directly
- meaningless
Having no importance or special significance
- empty
Lacking real meaning or substance
文法句型
significant + noun
be + significant
用法筆記
The subject is typically a look, glance, word, name, gesture, symbol, or object. The special meaning is usually shared only by the people involved or by those who know the context. This sense is common in storytelling and descriptions of non-verbal communication.
常見錯誤
❗ 'The gift was significant to her because she liked the colour.' ✅ 'The gift was significant to her because it represented their years of friendship.' — in this sense, significant implies a hidden or shared meaning, not just personal preference.