significance

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'significance' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to the importance or value of something. Example: The significance of the discovery cannot be overstated.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Treasurers are often poor guides to historical significance: the most significant budgets have usually only gained due recognition in retrospect.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the greater significance of that day in Dallas – beyond the arguments about the grassy knoll and the Zapruder film – is the effect the killing had on how the Kennedy presidency would be viewed thereafter.

The Guardian

It also follows estimates that the Galilee Basin mines feeding the port would produce enough coal to far outstrip Australia's annual carbon emissions, indicating a climate change contribution of global significance.

The Guardian

It's a testament to the significance of the Snowden disclosures and also to the hard work of many principled legislators on both sides of the aisle," Jameel Jaffer, the group's deputy legal director, said in a statement.

The Guardian

Scala has made similar comments before but in light of the ongoing Swiss investigation and confirmation that the FBI has now widened its probe to include 2018 and 2022, his intervention takes on a new significance.

The Guardian - Sport

Though the significance of his debut may have been a talking point for others, it was not a matter of race for Liverani.

The Guardian - Sport

"After all, this is a unique monument of universal significance that can only be understood and admired if it is complete.

The Guardian - Arts

There's no reason to suspect that Hockey's budget carries any such significance.

The Guardian - Opinion

The reality is of course that the SDLP is now facing a crisis of major historical significance: whether to continue attempting to 'outgreen' Sinn Fein as leaders of the nationalist 'tribe', or to pursue steadfastly that other part of their original, founding identity as a genuine social democratic party on the European model.

The Guardian

The Saudis – the king's formal title is "guardian of the two holy places" (of Mecca and Medina) – bill themselves as the leaders of the Sunni Muslim world, a role that has taken on increased significance in the face of the jihadi threat and the atmosphere of sectarianism across the region.

The Guardian

And it is the significance of clothing in relation to a specific culture that makes me uncomfortable with the casual adoption of traditional attire for "an occasion".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "significance", ensure the context clearly establishes what is considered significant and why. Providing specific details enhances the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the "significance" of minor details. Overusing the word can diminish its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The noun "significance" primarily functions to denote the quality of being important, meaningful, or consequential. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and broad applicability across various contexts. It's used to highlight the weight or relevance of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

26%

Science

26%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "significance" is a versatile noun used to convey the "importance" or meaning of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in a wide range of contexts, from news and media to formal business and scientific writing. When using "significance", it's essential to provide clear context to enhance its impact and avoid overstating its value. Consider alternatives like "relevance" or "consequence" depending on the nuance you wish to convey. The frequency and authoritative sources demonstrate its widespread acceptance and credibility in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

importance

Direct synonym, emphasizing the quality of being important or noteworthy.

import

Synonymous with "significance", denoting importance or consequence.

value

Highlights the worth or merit of something.

consequence

Focuses on the result or effect of something, implying importance through impact.

meaning

Highlights the underlying purpose or message of something.

relevance

Stresses the pertinence or applicability of something to a particular matter.

weight

Indicates the degree of importance or influence something carries.

implication

Focuses on the potential consequences or ramifications of something.

moment

Emphasizes the crucial or critical nature of a particular point or event.

magnitude

Highlights the scale or extent of importance.

FAQs

How can I use "significance" in a sentence?

You can use "significance" to highlight the importance or meaning of something. For example: "The "significance of the discovery" cannot be overstated."

What's the difference between "significance" and "importance"?

"Significance" and "importance" are largely synonymous, but "significance" can sometimes imply a deeper, more far-reaching impact or meaning than simply "importance".

What are some alternatives to the word "significance"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "importance", "relevance", "weight", or "consequence".

Is it correct to say "of great significance"?

Yes, "of great significance" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to emphasize the high degree of "importance" or meaning.