What Does “Significant” Mean?

If you’ve ever heard someone talk about something being “significant,” you may have wondered what exactly that means. The truth is, the definition of “significant” varies depending on the context. In general, though, something that is “significant” is of particular importance or has a profound impact. To help you better understand “significant,” let’s take a closer look at the meaning of this word.

The Definition of “Significant”

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “significant” as “having or expressing a meaning.” In other words, the term “significant” indicates that something is important enough to make a difference or is worth noting. Significance can be a result of magnitude, size, or seriousness.

Examples of “Significant”

The most straightforward example of “significant” is a major life event, such as getting married or graduating from college. Such milestones are considered significant because they are transitions that mark a turning point in a person’s life and are likely to have a profound impact on their future.

But “significant” can also mean something much less momentous. For example, a person might call the discovery of a new medicine “significant” because it could open the door to more efficient treatment options in the future. The impact of the discovery may not be as immediately noticeable as a wedding or graduation, but it is still considered an event of consequence.

Another example of “significant” comes in the form of decisions that have a notable impact. For instance, a company might make a significant decision to close a production plant and lay off hundreds of workers. On an individual level, a person might refer to a decision to pursue a certain career path as “significant,” simply because it serves as an important step in the person’s life.

Conclusion

So, what does “significant” mean? In a nutshell, it describes something as having a major impact or being worth noting. It can refer to a series of major life events or even a lesser-known, but still important decision. Ultimately, the definition of “significant” can be interpreted in many ways and, ultimately, depends on the context.