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Definition of important adjective from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

important

adjective
 
/ɪmˈpɔːtnt/
 
/ɪmˈpɔːrtnt/
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  1. having a great effect on people or things; of great value
    • an important issue/question/point/factor
    • We have an important decision to make.
    • Money played an important role in his life.
    • Listening is an important part of the job.
    • one of the most important collections of American art
    • The important thing is to keep trying.
    • important to somebody/something The centre is extremely important to many local people.
    • Banks are vitally important to the economy.
    • important for somebody/something Many chemicals are important for our health.
    • it is important to do something It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions.
    • It is important to note that total government funding has increased.
    • It's important to remember that our figures are averages only.
    • it is important that… It is important that he attend every day.
    • (British English) It is important that he should attend every day.
    • it is important to somebody that… It's very important to me that you be there.
    • (British English) It's very important to me that you should be there.
    • it is important for somebody/something to do something It is important for him to attend every day.
    see also all-important
    Language Bank emphasisemphasisHighlighting an important point
      • This case emphasizes the importance of honest communication between managers and employees.
      • The study highlights how important good communication is for an organization.
      • Effective communication skills are essential.
      • Excellent communication skills are crucial for a negotiator.
      • Good communication skills are vital to career success.
      • It should be noted that this study considers only verbal communication. Non-verbal communication is not dealt with here.
      • It is important to remember that non-verbal communication plays a key role in getting your message across.
      • An important point to remember is that good communication is a two-way process.
      • Communication is not only about the words you use but also your body language and, especially/above all, the effectiveness with which you listen.
      • I would like to draw attention to the role of listening in effective communication.
      • Choose your words carefully: in particular, avoid confusing and ambiguous language.
      • Finally, and perhaps most importantly, you must learn to listen as well as to speak.
    Extra Examples
    • I have an important announcement to make.
    • Several factors make this painting uniquely important.
    • historically important buildings
    • Both of his sisters hold important jobs in industry.
    • Someone left a message for you—it sounded important.
    • These ideas are considered enormously important.
    • These two factors are equally important.
    • This is most important: you must deliver the letter to Johnson himself.
    • Spending time with my children is important to me.
    • It's important for you to understand this.
    • The work of the intelligence services was crucially important to victory in the war.
    • The media are important in forming public perceptions.
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryverbs
    • be
    • seem
    • sound
    adverb
    • extremely
    • fairly
    • very
    preposition
    • for
    • to
    See full entry
  2. (of a person) having great influence or authority
    • an important member of the team
    • He likes to feel important.
    see also self-important
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryverbs
    • be
    • seem
    • sound
    adverb
    • extremely
    • fairly
    • very
    preposition
    • for
    • to
    See full entry
  3. Word Originlate Middle English: from medieval Latin important- ‘being of consequence’, from the verb importare ‘bring in’ (in medieval Latin ‘imply, mean, be of consequence’), from in- ‘in’ + portare ‘carry’.
See important in the Oxford Advanced American DictionarySee important in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic English
generic
adjective
 
 
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