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Importance vs. Important

What's the Difference?

Importance and important are closely related words that both convey the idea of significance or value. However, importance is a noun that refers to the quality of being significant or having value, while important is an adjective that describes something as having great significance or value. In other words, importance is the concept of being valuable, while important is the attribute of possessing value. Both words are essential in expressing the value or significance of something in written or spoken language.

Comparison

Importance
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AttributeImportanceImportant
DefinitionThe quality of being significant or of valueHaving great significance or value
SubjectiveCan vary from person to personCan be subjective as well
ImpactCan have a significant impact on decisions or outcomesCan be impactful in various situations
UsageCommonly used in discussions about priorities and valueUsed to emphasize the significance of something
Important
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Further Detail

Definition

Importance and important are two words that are often used interchangeably, but they actually have slightly different meanings. Importance refers to the quality of being significant or of great value, while important refers to something that holds a high degree of significance or value. In other words, importance is a noun that describes the quality of being important, while important is an adjective that describes something as having importance.

Usage

Importance is typically used to describe the value or significance of something in a general sense. For example, one might say that education is of great importance in today's society. On the other hand, important is used to describe specific things that hold significance or value. For instance, one might say that it is important to study for an exam in order to do well.

Context

Importance is often used in a more abstract or philosophical context, while important is used in a more practical or concrete context. For example, one might discuss the importance of love in human relationships, while also acknowledging that it is important to communicate effectively in order to maintain those relationships.

Impact

The impact of importance and important can vary depending on the context in which they are used. Importance tends to have a broader impact, as it can refer to a wide range of things that hold significance or value. On the other hand, important has a more specific impact, as it is used to highlight specific things that are significant or valuable in a given situation.

Examples

Here are some examples to illustrate the difference between importance and important:

  • Education is of great importance in today's society.
  • It is important to study for the exam in order to do well.
  • The importance of family cannot be overstated.
  • It is important to spend quality time with loved ones.

Conclusion

While importance and important are often used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings and usage. Importance refers to the quality of being significant or of great value, while important describes specific things that hold significance or value. Understanding the difference between these two words can help to improve clarity and precision in communication.

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