Significance Meaning

UK /sɪɡˈnɪfɪkəns/
US /sɪɡˈnɪfɪkəns/
Word Definition
significance meaning

Significance Definition & Usage

noun

The quality of being worthy of attention; the importance or value of something.

Examples

  • "The significance of the scientist's discovery cannot be overstated."
  • "Her contributions to the community had great significance in shaping its future."
  • "The significance of this historical event was apparent in the speeches delivered afterward."
  • "This minor detail seems small, but it holds immense significance in the final analysis."
  • "The significance of a good education in today’s world is undeniable."
noun

The meaning or message conveyed by something, especially a symbol or gesture.

Examples

  • "The significance of the handshake was lost on the young generation."
  • "In art, color choice can carry profound significance, as seen in various movements."
  • "The significance of the red light is clear—it means stop."
  • "His gesture had no significance beyond politeness."
  • "The significance of the flag being flown at half-mast was understood by all."

Cultural Context

The word 'significance' is rooted in Latin and has a wide range of meanings, often referring to importance, value, or symbolic meaning. Its use can extend to history, culture, art, and daily life, often to emphasize the weight or impact of an action, event, or object. It is prevalent in both formal and informal contexts.

The Significance of Small Choices

Story

The Significance of Small Choices

Lena stood quietly in the corner of the room, her fingers tracing the outline of the faded map hanging on the wall. The history of her small town was etched in every corner of the place, but today was different. Today, the significance of her decision would ripple through generations. She remembered her grandfather, who had always said, 'What we do, no matter how small, always has significance.' At the time, it seemed like one of his old sayings, a piece of wisdom passed down from years of life experience. But now, as Lena prepared to vote in her town's election for the first time, those words had never felt more true. As she walked into the polling station, she reflected on the countless hours spent discussing the importance of civic duty, of understanding what was at stake. She had learned that the significance of her vote wasn’t just about choosing a leader—it was about being part of something larger, something that could shape the future. Later that evening, the town gathered in the community hall to watch the results. The air was thick with anticipation. The significance of the election hung over everyone like a cloud. It wasn’t just about who won—it was about what that victory meant for the future of the community. The new mayor's promises had resonated with many, especially the young voters like Lena, who felt the weight of their voices for the first time. When the results flashed on the screen, Lena felt the significance of the moment settle into her chest. This wasn’t just a win for a political party; it was a win for change, for new ideas, for the future. Lena smiled, realizing that her grandfather had been right. The smallest of actions could carry profound significance. Later, at the celebration, her friends chatted about how the small decisions they had made, from who they spoke to during the campaign to how they spread the word, had all contributed to this moment. It was a reminder that significance often lies not in grand gestures, but in the steady accumulation of choices, each one meaningful in its own right. Lena looked out over the crowd, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. The significance of her participation in this election, the symbolism of her vote, had finally made sense. As the night wore on, she realized that everything had significance. From her grandfather’s words to her own actions, it was all part of a larger tapestry of meaning.

The Significance of Small Choices