significance
gb/sɪɡnˈɪfɪkəns/ us/sɪɡnˈɪfɪkəns/
B1
English
~ 2000
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
importance or notable effect
How important or meaningful something is.
Usage pattern:
the significance of [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'significance' with 'signification', but 'signification' is rare and more technical.
Synonyms
importance (A more common, general term for being important.)
|
weight (Metaphorical sense meaning importance or influence, often in formal contexts.)
Antonyms
insignificance (Direct opposite, meaning lack of importance.)
|
triviality (Implies being unimportant or minor in impact.)
Collocations
great significance
|of significance
|historical significance
|special significance
|particular significance
Themes
communication
|evaluation
|society
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The discovery has great significance for medical research.
- She didn't understand the significance of his words at the time.
- This monument holds special significance for the local community.
Learner examples
- The book is of great significance to me.
- This day has special significance for our family.
- The teacher explained the significance of the story.
Noun
B2
entity
2
specific meaning or message
The meaning of something, especially when it is not immediately clear.
Usage pattern:
the significance of [something]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'significance' (meaning) with 'signal' (a sign or action).
Synonyms
meaning (Most direct synonym; common in everyday speech.)
|
sense (Often used in similar contexts, but can be broader.)
Antonyms
meaninglessness (Lack of meaning or message.)
Collocations
hidden significance
|true significance
|symbolic significance
Themes
language
|interpretation
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The poem's full significance only becomes clear after several readings.
- He failed to grasp the significance of her gesture.
- What is the significance of this symbol?
Learner examples
- I do not understand the significance of that word.
- The flag has special significance for the group.
- She explained the significance of the sign.
Grammar
Dictionary form
significance
IPA
GB/sɪɡnˈɪfɪkəns/
US/sɪɡnˈɪfɪkəns/
Syllables & stress
sig - ni - fic - ance (4 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (ni)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: significance
- Plural: significance, significances
Word family
Forms
significances
noun
Core family
Related words
sign
noun A1
Negative and opposite forms
insignificant
adjective B2
insignificance
noun
Advanced or less common
signification
noun
Expressions
attach significance to [something]
1/ətˈæt͡ʃ sɪɡnˈɪfɪkəns tə sˈʌmθɪŋ/
fixed phrase
consider something important or meaningful
To think that something is important or has meaning.
Examples
- We should not attach too much significance to these rumors.
- He attaches great significance to family traditions.
of great significance
1/əv ɡɹˈeɪt sɪɡnˈɪfɪkəns/
fixed phrase
very important or influential
Very important or with a big effect.
Examples
- This event is of great significance to our country's history.
- Her research is of great significance in the fight against disease.
take on a new significance
1/tˈeɪk ˈɔn ə njˈu sɪɡnˈɪfɪkəns/
fixed phrase
become more important or meaningful
To become more important or have a different meaning than before.
Examples
- After her speech, the painting took on a new significance.
- These words have taken on a new significance since the accident.