importance

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the quality of being important and worthy of note

   the importance of a well-balanced diet

2. 2
   noun

   a prominent status

   a person of importance

3. 3
   noun

   Something of importance.

   It was incessant matter for amazement how these Olympians would talk over our heads - during meals, for instance - of this or the other social or political inanity, under the delusion that these pale phantasms of reality were among the importances of life.

4. 4
   noun

   The quality or condition of being important or worthy of note.

5. 5
   noun

   significance or prominence.

6. 6
   noun

   personal status or standing.

Etymology

From Middle English importaunce, from Middle French importance, from Medieval Latin importantia. By surface analysis, import (“to be important”) + -ance.