Definition

Adverb: 1. In a significant or noteworthy manner: Used to indicate that something is done with importance or carries significant weight. 2. Used to introduce a point of major significance: Often employed to highlight a particularly crucial fact or argument in speech or writing.

Usage

The adverb "importantly" modifies verbs, adjectives, or entire sentences to stress the significance of an action or statement. It is frequently used to introduce or emphasize a key point.

Examples

• The CEO spoke importantly about the company's new ethical guidelines. (Modifying the verb "spoke" to indicate the manner was significant.)
• She stood importantly at the head of the table before making her announcement. (Modifying the verb "stood" to convey a manner of bearing or significance.)
• More importantly, the study revealed a fundamental flaw in the initial hypothesis. (Introducing and emphasizing a point of greater significance in an argument.)
• Most importantly, ensure everyone's safety before proceeding. (Introducing the point of greatest significance, often as a priority.)

Advanced Usage

• Sentence-modifying use: "Importantly" is commonly used at the beginning of a sentence (often preceded by "more" or "most") to modify the entire following clause and signal its importance to the argument.
  • More importantly, the treaty establishes a framework for future cooperation.
• "More importantly" vs. "More important": In formal writing, some traditionalists prefer the adjectival phrase "what is more important" or "more important" (functioning as a disjunct). However, the adverbial phrase "more importantly" is widely accepted in standard English.
  • The data is consistent; more importantly, it is reproducible.

Variants and Related Words

• Important (adjective): Of great significance or value.
  • This is an important meeting.
• Importance (noun): The state or fact of being significant.
  • She understood the importance of the decision.

Synonyms

• Significantly: In a sufficiently great or important way as to be worthy of attention.
• Crucially: In a decisive or critical way.
• Notably: Particularly; especially.
• Essentially: In a fundamental way; at the most basic level.

Related Phrases

• Of importance: Having significance.
  • This is a matter of great importance.
• It is important that: Used to introduce a subordinate clause stating a significant fact or necessity.
  • It is important that all forms are submitted on time.

Adverb

1. in an important way
   • for centuries jellies have figured importantly among English desserts, particularly upon festive occasion
2. in an important way or to an important degree
   • more importantly, Weber held that the manifold meaning attached to the event by the social scientist could alter his definition of the concrete event itself