importance
UK[ɪmˈpɔːtns]US[ɪmˈpɔːrtns]
n
the quality of being important and having a significant effect or influence
n
the state of being important and deserving attention or respect
Morpheme Breakdown
import
ance
import
bring in
ance
state or quality
Etymology
The word "importance" entered English in the early 16th century from Middle French, where it meant "consequence, significance." Its core, "import," originates from the Latin verb 'importare,' a compound of 'in-' (into) and 'portare' (to carry), literally meaning "to bring into" a place. The semantic evolution is a classic metaphorical shift: from the physical act of "carrying goods into" a country, the term broadened to signify the figurative "weight" or "consequence" that an idea, fact, or person carries. The suffix '-ance' then nominalizes this concept, solidifying it as the abstract "state or quality of having weight or consequence," which is its modern meaning.
Analysis
Structure: import (bring in) + ance (state or quality)
- import: From Latin 'importare' (to bring in, convey), via Middle English. In this word, it functions as the core root carrying the sense of "carrying weight or consequence."
- ance: A noun-forming suffix of Latin origin (via French), indicating a state, quality, or condition.
Examples
The importance of regular exercise for good health cannot be overstated.
She stressed the importance of arriving on time for the job interview.
This discovery is of great historical importance.