important

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   of great significance or value

   important people

2. 2
   adj

   having or suggesting a consciousness of high position

   recited the decree with an important air

3. 3
   adj

   having authority or ascendancy or influence

   an important official

4. 4
   adj

   Having relevant and crucial value; having import.

   We thought it important for there to be a fire escape at the back of every building.

5. 5
   adj

   Pompous; self-important.

   "[…] It is a match that must give universal satisfaction. In short, it is a kind of thing that"—lowering his voice to an important whisper—"will be exceedingly welcome to all parties." Recollecting himself, however, he added, "That is, I mean to say—your friends are all truly anxious to see you well settled; Fanny particularly […]"

6. 6
   adj

   of extreme importance

7. 7
   adj

   important in effect or meaning

Etymology

From Middle English important, from Medieval Latin important-, importāns. By surface analysis, import (“to be important”) + -ant. Displaced native Old English heah and hefig.