French word

important

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛ̃pɔʁtɑ̃/

Meaning

  • adjectiveimportant

Example

La réunion est importante.

The meeting is important.

Illustration for important (important)

More examples

Une décision importante a été prise.

An important decision was made.

Core concept

A matter carrying enough weight to affect a person, decision, or situation.

Common phrases

  • une décision importante

    an important decision

  • une nouvelle importante

    important news

  • un enjeu important

    an important issue

Similar words

essentiel: Essential for existence or for achieving a particular purpose.
nécessaire: Needed for a specific outcome or intended action to occur.
indispensable: Utterly necessary, with no adequate substitute available.
crucial: Decisive in determining the eventual outcome.

Definition in French

Qui a une importance réelle pour une personne, une décision ou une situation et qui ne doit pas être négligé.

Word origin

French important comes from Latin importare, 'to carry in', through Old French important, and developed the sense of having significance or weight.

Usage tips

  • In the pattern important de + infinitive, de introduces the action considered necessary, as in Il est important de vérifier.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word