significance

[sig-nif-i-kuhns]

noun

1. importance; consequence.

   the significance of the new treaty.

   Synonyms: weight, moment
   Antonyms: triviality

2. meaning; import.

   The familiar place had a new significance for her.

3. the quality of being significant or having a meaning.

   to give significance to dull chores.

significance

/ sɪɡˈnɪfɪkəns /

noun

1. consequence or importance

2. something signified, expressed, or intended

3. the state or quality of being significant

4. statistics

   1. a measure of the confidence that can be placed in a result, esp a substantive causal hypothesis, as not being merely a matter of chance

   2. ( as modifier ) Compare confidence level See also hypothesis testing

      a significance level

Other Word Forms

• nonsignificance noun
• self-significance noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of significance¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English (from Middle French ), from Latin significantia “force, meaning,” equivalent to significant- ( significant ) + -ia -ia; ( -ance )

Synonym Study

See importance. See meaning.

Example Sentences

But the UK's Civil Aviation Authority has played down the significance of GPS jamming, says aircrafts' navigation systems do not rely solely on GPS and so interference should not affect their direct navigation.

From BBC

Now L.A. locals, the sisters are originally from Yucatan, Mexico, where they say the moon holds spiritual significance.

From Los Angeles Times

Four BBC correspondents assess the significance of Wednesday's parade – what it means, why it matters, and what the spectacle tells us about the "new world order".

From BBC

"When interviewed, you sought to distance yourself from what was done and downplay the significance of your offending," he said.

From BBC

In the past, India has downplayed the organisation's significance.

From BBC

Related Words

• consequence 
• gravity 
• influence 
• magnitude 
• matter 
• merit 
• prestige 
• relevance 
• virtue 
• weight