What is importance? Pronunciation and usage in English

importance means . Learn how to pronounce and use importance through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of importance

importancenoun

/ɪmˈpɔːt(ə)ns/
Definition & pronunciation of importance

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "importance" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

The word "importance" is made up of three syllables:

  • im - like the beginning of "imagine"
  • por - like the beginning of "port" (as in, a harbor)
  • tance - like "tents" (but with a slightly flatter 't' sound)

2. Phonetic Breakdown (using the International Phonetic Alphabet - IPA - which is the most accurate):

  • /ˈɪm.pɔr.təns/

    • ˈ (primary stress - meaning this syllable is emphasized)
    • ɪ (as in "bit") - for the first syllable "im"
    • m (as in "mom")
    • pɔr (as in "port") - a “r” sound that links up with the “o”
    • tə (as in "to") - a schwa sound (a very short, neutral vowel)
    • ns (as in "nose")

3. How it sounds (a more descriptive explanation):

Here's how to approximate it in English:

  • “Im”: Say “im” as in "imagine."
  • “Por”: This is the trickiest part! It's not like the word "port." You need to link the "p" and "o" sounds together into a single, flowing sound. Think of it almost like a slightly drawn-out “per.”
  • “Tans”: Say “tans,” but flatten the "t" sound slightly. It's closer to the vowel sound in “tents” than the "t" in "ton." The "ns" at the end sounds like the "ns" in "nose".

Putting it all together: "Im-por-tents" (with that linked "por" sound).

Tips for Practicing:

  • Slow it down: Start by saying each syllable separately. Then, gradually speed up as you get more comfortable.
  • Listen to native speakers: The best way to learn pronunciation is to hear it. Search for "importance pronunciation" on YouTube or use online dictionaries that have audio clips (like Merriam-Webster or Cambridge Dictionary).
  • Record yourself: Record yourself saying the word and compare it to a native speaker's pronunciation.

Resources:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you more examples of similar words with tricky pronunciations?

Usage and examples with the word importance in English

Let's break down how to use the word "importance" in English. It's a versatile word with several ways to employ it. Here's a breakdown of its different usages, with examples:

1. As a Noun (the core meaning – something that matters):

  • Meaning: This is the most common usage. It refers to the state of being important or the quality of being significant. It describes something that deserves attention or consideration.
  • Examples:
    • "Education is of great importance." (Meaning: Education is very important.)
    • "Honesty is of utmost importance in a relationship." (Meaning: Honesty is incredibly important.)
    • "The importance of teamwork cannot be overstated." (Meaning: Teamwork is extremely important and deserves emphasis.)
    • "She realized the importance of taking care of her health.” (Meaning: She understood how important it was to take care of her health.)

2. As an Adjective (describing something’s quality of being important):

  • Meaning: When used as an adjective, "important" describes something that is significant. It’s often placed before the noun it modifies.
  • Examples:
    • "This is an important decision." (Meaning: This decision is significant.)
    • "He is an important scientist." (Meaning: He is a significant scientist – perhaps a leading one.)
    • “The importance of the meeting was highlighted.” (Here, “important” describes the meeting.)

3. Phrases Using "Importance":

  • Of Importance: This is a common and formal way to express that something is important.
    • "It’s of great importance to arrive on time."
  • Prioritize Importance: Means to focus on what’s most critical.
    • “We need to prioritize importance when allocating resources.”
  • Give Importance to: Means to focus on or value something.
    • “She gave importance to her family’s traditions.”
  • Highlight the Importance: To draw attention to how significant something is.
    • "The report highlights the importance of sustainable practices."

4. Contextual Usage – Nuances of "Importance":

  • Relative Importance: Not everything is equally important. You can talk about the relative importance of things.
    • "For a student, the relative importance of studying for exams might outweigh socializing."
  • Personal Importance: Importance can be subjective, based on a person's values or experiences.
    • “Helping others is of great personal importance to her.”
  • Strategic Importance: Relevant to a plan or objective.
    • “The location of the factory has strategic importance for transport.”

Tips for Using "Importance" Correctly:

  • Synonyms: Consider using synonyms like “significance,” “crucial,” “vital,” “essential,” or “critical” to add variety to your writing and speech.
  • Don't Overuse: While "important" is widely used, try to vary your vocabulary.
  • Specificity: Always try to explain why something is important. Don't just state that something is important; provide the reason. (“Education is important because it leads to better opportunities.”)

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of writing or speaking are you doing where you want to use "importance"? (e.g., academic papers, everyday conversation, creative writing?)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you’re struggling with?

Synonyms for the word importance

Practice with vocabulary importance

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. During the quarterly review, the CEO stressed the ______ of maintaining high ethical standards across all departments.
  2. Ensuring the secure handling of sensitive client data is of paramount ______ for our legal firm.
  3. The board of directors discussed the potential ______ of the new trade agreement on global market stability.
  4. For any new startup, securing adequate funding in the initial stages is a critical ______.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following words or phrases best conveys the core idea of "importance"? a) triviality b) significance c) irrelevance d) consequence e) value
  2. The recent economic report underscored the ______ of diversifying investment portfolios in volatile markets. a) triviality b) necessity c) irrelevance d) importance e) crucial role
  3. Effective leadership plays a pivotal ______ in fostering a positive and productive work environment. a) minor part b) negative aspect c) crucial element d) insignificant detail e) vital function
  4. To achieve the company's long-term goals, management must recognize the ______ of adapting to technological advancements. a) significance b) insignificance c) triviality d) importance e) centrality
  5. Which of these statements accurately describes the ______ of time management for project managers? a) negligible b) essential c) optional d) critical e) secondary

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. It is vital for all team members to understand the project's ultimate objectives. Rewrite using a form of "importance":
  2. The company places great emphasis on employee professional development. Rewrite using a replacement word for "importance":
  3. Meticulous attention to detail is crucial for quality assurance in manufacturing. Rewrite using a form of "importance":

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. importance
  2. importance
  3. impact / implications / effect / influence
  4. priority / objective / factor / aspect

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) significance, d) consequence, e) value
  2. b) necessity, d) importance, e) crucial role
  3. c) crucial element, e) vital function
  4. a) significance, d) importance, e) centrality
  5. b) essential, d) critical

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. All team members must understand the importance of the project's ultimate objectives. (Alternative: The importance of the project's ultimate objectives must be understood by all team members.)
  2. The company attaches great significance to employee professional development. (Alternative: The company places great value on employee professional development.)
  3. Meticulous attention to detail is of great importance for quality assurance in manufacturing. (Alternative: The importance of meticulous attention to detail for quality assurance in manufacturing cannot be overstated.)

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