significance

Everyday

1. Significance is how important or meaningful something is. tree →
2. Significance is the special meaning that something has. tree →
3. (maths, science) Statistical significance means a result is probably real and not just luck. tree →

In the lessons

In history and English lessons, pupils explain «the significance of» an event or symbol. In formal and exam language, «of great significance» means very important. In science, scientists check the significance of results. Phrases: the significance of, of great significance, of little significance, historical significance.

Examples

• The teacher asked us to explain the significance of the battle. tree →
• The red rose has a special significance in the story. tree →
• The discovery was of great significance for medicine. tree →
• Don't worry — the mistake is of little significance. tree →
• Scientists checked the significance of their results. tree →
• The castle has great historical significance. tree →

Note

Uncountable noun. The adjective is «significant»; «significantly» means a lot. In maths, «significant figures» are the important digits in a number, used for rounding (e.g. 3456 to 2 significant figures is 3500).

In Jewish tradition

Interpretation: In Sefer Yetzirah, commentators read deep meaning into letters and numbers, as if they were the tools by which the world was made. In the primary lessons: In history and English lessons, pupils explain «the significance of» an event or symbol. In formal and exam language, «of great significance» means very important. In science, scientists check the significance of results. Phrases: the significance of, of great significance, of little significance, historical significance.

Examples

• The root SPR thus holds unique metaphysical significance for the SY, alone representing the totality of language by which the world was created and is sustained. (Sefer Yetzirah, Sefaria community translation) tree →
• It should probably be understood on one level as a reference to the ten digits of the decimal numeral system, though as we shall see, these Sefirot Belimah are imbued with metaphysical significance beyond mere numerals. (Sefer Yetzirah, Sefaria community translation) tree →

Note

Uncountable noun. The adjective is «significant»; «significantly» means a lot. In maths, «significant figures» are the important digits in a number, used for rounding (e.g. 3456 to 2 significant figures is 3500).