Anglais

significance

gb/sɪɡnˈɪfɪkəns/ us/sɪɡnˈɪfɪkəns/
B1 Anglais
~ 2000
Sens
0 sens
Nom B1 entity
1

importance or notable effect

How important or meaningful something is.

Schéma d’usage : the significance of [something]
Erreur fréquente :
Learners sometimes confuse 'significance' with 'signification', but 'signification' is rare and more technical.
Synonymes
importance (A more common, general term for being important.) | weight (Metaphorical sense meaning importance or influence, often in formal contexts.)
Antonymes
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
Thèmes
communication |evaluation |society |core_vocabulary
Exemples
  • 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.
Exemples pédagogiques
  • The book is of great significance to me.
  • This day has special significance for our family.
  • The teacher explained the significance of the story.
Nom B2 entity
2

specific meaning or message

The meaning of something, especially when it is not immediately clear.

Schéma d’usage : the significance of [something]
Erreur fréquente :
Learners may confuse 'significance' (meaning) with 'signal' (a sign or action).
Synonymes
meaning (Most direct synonym; common in everyday speech.) | sense (Often used in similar contexts, but can be broader.)
Antonymes
meaninglessness (Lack of meaning or message.)
Collocations
hidden significance |true significance |symbolic significance
Thèmes
language |interpretation |communication |core_vocabulary
Exemples
  • 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?
Exemples pédagogiques
  • I do not understand the significance of that word.
  • The flag has special significance for the group.
  • She explained the significance of the sign.
Grammaire
Forme canonique
significance
API
GB/sɪɡnˈɪfɪkəns/
US/sɪɡnˈɪfɪkəns/
Syllabes et accentuation
sig - ni - fic - ance (4 syllabes)
Stress on 2nd syllable (ni)
Formes du mot
Noun
  • Base: significance
  • Plural: significance, significances
Famille de mots
Forms
significances noun
Core family
significant adjective B1 significantly adverb B1 signify verb B2
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.

Exemples
  • 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.

Exemples
  • 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.

Exemples
  • After her speech, the painting took on a new significance.
  • These words have taken on a new significance since the accident.

Bon retour parmi nous !

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