3 syllables: im, por, tant. Stress on por.
im-PAWR-tuhnt
/ˌɪˈmpɔɹtənt/
important is pronounced im-PAWR-tuhnt (/ˌɪˈmpɔɹtənt/). It has three syllables (im-por-tant), with the stress on "por". As a adjective, having great significance, value, or consequence; likely to have a profound effect on success, survival, or well-being.
adjectiveHaving great significance, value, or consequence; likely to have a profound effect on success, survival, or well-being.
"The CEO made an important announcement about company restructuring."
"It's important to drink water after exercising."
"The study highlights important implications for climate policy."
The word "important" is pronounced /ɪmˈpɔːrtənt/ with emphasis on the primary stressed syllable. Click the audio button above to hear the correct pronunciation.
"important" sounds like I-m-p-o-r-t-a-n-t. The pronunciation follows standard English pronunciation rules.
"important" is considered intermediate difficult to pronounce. This word may require some practice to master the correct pronunciation.
"important" is a adjective. It modifies or describes nouns and pronouns.
The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription for "important" is /ɪmˈpɔːrtənt/. This provides the most accurate pronunciation guide using standardized phonetic symbols.
Common mistakes when pronouncing "important" include incorrect stress placement and mispronouncing vowel sounds. Listen to the audio example above to learn the correct pronunciation.
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From Middle English important, from Old French important, from Latin importāns (present participle of importāre, 'to bring in, signify'), from in- + portāre ('to carry').
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "important" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "important" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "important"
-ant sounds
-ent sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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