What is significance? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of significance

significancenoun

/sɪɡˈnɪfɪkəns//sɪɡˈnɪfɪkəns/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "significance." It can be tricky! Here's a breakdown, and then I'll offer a few resources to help you:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈsɪn.ɪ.fɪ.kəns /

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. ˈsɪn - Sounds like "sin" – as in the feeling of guilt. The emphasis is here.
  2. ɪ - Short "i" sound – like in "bit".
  3. fɪ - Sounds like "fee" – short and quick.
  4. kəns – Sounds like “kens” (like the name Kenseth) – with a short "uh" sound at the end.

Putting it all together, it sounds like: sin-ih-fee-kens

Tips for getting it right:

  • Stress: The stressed syllable is the first one (ˈsɪn).
  • "i" sound: Don't let the "i" sound be too long. It's a short, quick "i" – like the "i" in "bit."
  • "kens" sound: Don't overemphasize the ending. It's a simple, almost clipped "kens" sound.

Resources to hear it pronounced:

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Usage and examples with the word significance in English

Let's break down how to use the word "significance" effectively in English. It's a versatile word with several related meanings. Here’s a breakdown with examples:

1. Core Meaning: Importance or Weight

  • Definition: This is the most common usage. "Significance" refers to the degree to which something matters, is important, or has an impact. It’s about how much something counts.

  • Examples:

    • “The researcher found a significant correlation between exercise and mental health.” (Meaning: a noticeable or important relationship)
    • “The historical documents provided significant evidence of the event.” (Meaning: crucial and important evidence)
    • "Her speech had a significant impact on the audience." (Meaning: it made a big difference)
    • “The rise in global temperatures is a significant concern for scientists.” (Meaning: a serious problem)

2. As a Noun (Referring to the quality of being important)

  • Definition: "Significance" itself is the noun form of the idea – it represents the quality of being important.

  • Examples:

    • "The significance of the discovery cannot be overstated." (Meaning: The importance of the discovery is very great.)
    • "She placed great significance on maintaining her relationships." (Meaning: She valued these relationships highly.)
    • "The significance of this event will be debated for years to come." (Meaning: The importance and impact of the event will be discussed a lot.)

3. As a Verb (To indicate or point out importance)

  • Definition: "Signify" (often used interchangeably with “indicate” or “represent”) means to signify or indicate something. It often suggests a symbolic or meaningful connection.

  • Examples:

    • “The color red signifies danger.” (Meaning: red is a symbol of danger)
    • “The gesture signified his agreement.” (Meaning: the action showed that he agreed)
    • “The silence signified her disapproval.” (Meaning: The silence showed she disagreed)

4. Statistical Significance (Specifically in Science & Research)

  • Definition: In statistics, "statistical significance" refers to the probability that a result is not due to random chance. It's used to determine if an observed effect is truly meaningful or just a fluke.

  • Example: “The study found a statistically significant difference between the two groups.” (Meaning: The difference observed is unlikely to be due to chance and is likely a real effect.)

Key Considerations & Usage Tips:

  • “Significant” vs. “Signify”: These are often confused. "Significant" means important; "signify" means to indicate or represent.

  • Adding Words for Clarity: Often, adding words like "great," "substantial," "major," "considerable," or "remarkable" can strengthen your use of "significant." Example: “A great significance was attached to the treaty.”

  • Context is Key: The precise meaning of "significance" will depend on the context of your sentence.

Resources for Further Learning:

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  • What kind of writing are you working on (e.g., academic essay, creative writing, everyday conversation)?
  • Can you give me an example sentence you're struggling with?

Synonyms for the word significance

Practice with vocabulary significance

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The recent economic data holds considerable ___________ for the central bank's upcoming policy decisions.
  2. Understanding the historical ___________ of the treaty is crucial for effective diplomatic negotiations today.
  3. The project's ___________ to the company's long-term strategic goals was highlighted in the CEO's annual address.
  4. His actions, though seemingly minor at the time, had far-reaching ___________ for the entire team's morale and productivity.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of the following words best describe the importance or meaning of an event or finding? a) triviality b) casualness c) significance d) irrelevance e) import

  2. The research presented new findings, but its practical ___________ to current industry challenges was questioned by the panel. a) magnitude b) significance c) triviality d) applicability e) gravity

  3. The board debated the ___________ of the unexpected market shift on their quarterly financial projections. a) effect b) impact c) significance d) insignificance e) meaning

  4. The CEO emphasized the critical ___________ of timely and transparent communication in crisis management. a) unimportance b) triviality c) necessity d) importance e) irrelevance

  5. The new environmental regulations are expected to have ___________ consequences for small and medium-sized enterprises. a) negligible b) significant c) considerable d) minor e) trivial

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The data analysis revealed that the observed differences between the two groups were statistically important. Rewrite using "significance":
  2. Original: We need to understand what this ancient historical document truly means for our current international relations policies. Rewrite using "significance":
  3. Original: The decision to invest heavily in renewable energy sources will have a profound positive effect on the environment and the national economy. Rewrite without "significance":

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. significance
  2. significance
  3. relevance
  4. implications

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) significance, e) import
  2. b) significance, d) applicability
  3. a) effect, b) impact, c) significance, e) meaning
  4. c) necessity, d) importance
  5. b) significant, c) considerable

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The data analysis revealed the statistical significance of the observed differences between the two groups.
  2. We need to understand the true significance of this ancient historical document for our current international relations policies.
  3. The decision to invest heavily in renewable energy sources will have a profound positive impact on the environment and the national economy.

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