French word

insignifiant

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛ̃siɲifjɑ̃/

Meaning

  • adjectiveunimportant

Example

Ce détail est insignifiant, il ne change rien.

This detail is unimportant; it changes nothing.

Illustration for insignifiant (unimportant)

More examples

Ce commentaire est tout à fait insignifiant.

This comment is utterly insignificant.

Core concept

A negligible point that makes no difference to the situation.

Common phrases

  • tout à fait insignifiant

    utterly insignificant

  • quelque chose d'insignifiant

    something insignificant

  • presque insignifiant

    almost insignificant

Similar words

négligeable: So small in amount or effect that it can safely be ignored.
minime: Extremely small in size or degree.
anodin: Minor and unobtrusive, with little effect or harm.
dérisoire: So small in value or amount that it seems almost meaningless.

Definition in French

Qui n'a pas d'importance ou d'effet, un détail qui ne change rien à la situation.

Word origin

Insignifiant is formed from French signifiant, meaning significant or signifying, with the negative prefix in-, giving the sense of lacking importance or effect.

Usage tips

  • When applied directly to a person, insignifiant can sound insulting, so it is safer to use it for things, amounts, or details.

Other meanings

  • trivialadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • insignifianceinsignificancenoun

Word lists with this word