significant — meaning in English: significant

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use 'significant' in academic discussions to describe important findings or trends, such as when presenting research results. In everyday conversations, it can be applied to personal experiences, like noting a significant event in one's life, such as a birthday or graduation.

Synonyms & nuances

'Significant' suggests a weight or importance that can influence outcomes, while synonyms like 'notable' and 'considerable' can imply a level of attention or size without necessarily indicating deeper importance. You might choose 'significant' when discussing issues that are crucial for understanding social, scientific, or personal dynamics.

Culture

'Significant' originates from the Latin word 'significare,' which means 'to signify' or 'to indicate.' Over time, it has evolved to encompass meanings of importance and relevance in various contexts, reflecting how we categorize knowledge and experiences in our lives. Interestingly, the term is widely used in statistics, where a 'significant result' can change the course of scientific research.

FAQ

Q.What does 'significant' mean?

'Significant' means having meaning or importance. It is often used to describe something that is noteworthy or has a considerable impact.

Q.How do you use 'significant' in a sentence?

You can use 'significant' in sentences like, 'The study showed a significant improvement in participants’ health.' This indicates that the improvement was important and worth noting.

Q.What are common mistakes with the word 'significant'?

A common mistake is confusing 'significant' with 'significantly.' While 'significant' is an adjective describing something important, 'significantly' is an adverb that describes the manner in which something is done. For example, you should say 'significant changes' instead of 'significantly changes.'

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