true import

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "true import" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the genuine or essential meaning or significance of something. Example: "The true import of his words became clear only after further reflection."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Yet the letters' true import is unknowable.

The Economist

Nevertheless, I didn't become aware of the true import of names until I read Laura Wattenberg.

The New York Times

We're left some scope to work out for ourselves the tale's true import.

The Guardian - Film

His true import, however, may ultimately be in the Warhol-like scene that has coalesced around him.

The New York Times

But Mr. Koppel and his longtime executive producer, Tom Bettag, have fought another good fight on behalf of in-depth television journalism about a subject of true import.

The New York Times - Arts

Weeks later the true import of what had happened was revealed, to the chagrin of many House members and to the delight of the Tennessee delegation.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

True, imports are rising sharply too, but that includes lots of capital goods needed for modernising the economy.

The Economist

It is also important for European industry that the true meaning and import of the CE marking is understood, and I believe this does take a step forward.

EU Parlament

We can only view "Windtalkers" with the same shaken detachment that characterizes Mr. Cage's Joe Enders, wishing that the codetalkers' real story, a little known and fascinating chunk of American history, had been given its true dramatic import.

The New York Times

Without being able to establish the true allegorical import of this scene, which concerns both the necessity of a cataclysm in poetry and its humorous calling into question, I will draw a few questions from it.

Johns Hopkins University

What, then, would prohibit an agency from withholding records of true public import by simply claiming that the Mayor was thinking about hiring John Doe to be his next Deputy Junior Assistant Something-or-Other someday?

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "true import", ensure that the context clearly establishes what the genuine and essential meaning refers to, especially in complex situations where misinterpretations are possible.

Common error

Avoid using "true import" when a simpler term like "significance" or "meaning" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound pretentious or unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "true import" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It refers to the real or essential meaning of something. Ludwig examples show usage in various contexts, highlighting its role in emphasizing the underlying significance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

32%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "true import" serves to highlight the genuine and essential meaning of something, adding a layer of depth beyond simple meaning or significance. Ludwig's analysis shows that it functions as a noun phrase and is commonly found in News & Media, Science and Academic contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. While grammatically correct, overuse of the phrase should be avoided to maintain clarity and avoid pretentiousness. As Ludwig AI indicates, "true import" is usable in written English and is best employed when emphasizing a deeper or previously hidden meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

real significance

Focuses on the importance of something, omitting the aspect of genuineness.

genuine meaning

Emphasizes authenticity in the interpretation, downplaying the importance.

actual significance

Highlights the factual importance, potentially lacking the deeper understanding.

authentic meaning

Stresses the validity of the message, but might not cover the full scope of its effect.

essential significance

Pinpoints fundamental importance, but can ignore the nuance of the exact meaning.

core meaning

Concentrates on the central idea, possibly excluding the wider consequences.

intrinsic value

Highlights inherent worth, rather than interpreted significance.

underlying importance

Focuses on the concealed relevance, missing direct and obvious implications.

real essence

Emphasizes fundamental nature, shifting from meaning to substance.

ultimate implication

Concentrates on final effect, which may be different from the direct intent.

FAQs

How can I use "true import" in a sentence?

Use "true import" when you want to emphasize the genuine and essential meaning or significance of something, as in: "The "true import" of his words became clear only after further reflection".

What phrases are similar to "true import"?

Alternatives to "true import" include "real significance", "genuine meaning", or "actual significance". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "true import" instead of just "meaning" or "significance"?

Use "true import" when you want to emphasize that there might be a hidden or easily misunderstood meaning and you are revealing the most accurate and profound understanding. It adds a layer of depth beyond simply stating the "meaning" or "significance".

Is "true import" always formal, or can it be used in informal contexts?

While "true import" can be used in various contexts, it leans towards a more formal or serious tone. In informal settings, simpler terms like "real meaning" or "what it really means" might be more appropriate.