What Does Significant Mean? Meaning, Synonyms and Examples
Significant describes something important, noticeable, meaningful, or large enough to have an effect.
Clear Explanation
• Use it for a noticeable change or result.
• In research, it may have a specialized statistical meaning.
• Important is broader and more conversational.
Examples
The new evidence had a significant effect on the decision.
Sales increased by a significant amount.
Quick Comparison
Common Mistake
Do not use significant as an automatic replacement for very large.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does significant mean?
It means important, noticeable, or large enough to have an effect.
Is significant formal?
It is common in formal, academic, and professional writing, but it also appears in everyday English.