Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ɪnˈsɪɡnɪfɪkənt/

Definitions

• Insignificant (adjective): Too small or unimportant to be considered worthy of attention or serious consideration.
• Insignificant (adjective): Lacking in importance, meaning, or value.

Usage Examples

• "The difference in the prices of the two products was insignificant."
• "Her contribution to the project was deemed insignificant by the committee."
• "The insignificant error was easily overlooked by the reviewer."

Etymology

The word "insignificant" comes from the Latin "insignificare," which combines the prefix "in-" (meaning "not") with "significare" (meaning "to signify"). It was first used in English in the early 17th century to describe something that lacked importance or meaning.

Synonyms

• Trivial
• Minor
• Negligible
• Unimportant
• Inconsequential
• Petty
• Irrelevant

Antonyms

• Important
• Significant
• Noteworthy
• Valuable
• Crucial
• Major

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "insignificant" remains fairly consistent across English dialects. In non-native English speakers, regional accents may affect the vowel sounds, though the meaning remains the same.

Historical Usage

The term "insignificant" has been in use since the early 17th century. It originally referred to things or actions that were too minor to be worthy of attention. Over time, it became more widely used in both formal and informal contexts to describe anything perceived as unimportant or trivial.

Cultural Nuances

The concept of insignificance varies across cultures. In many Western societies, being deemed "insignificant" often carries a negative connotation of being overlooked or devalued. However, in some Eastern cultures, insignificance may be perceived as a form of humility or acceptance of one's place within a larger context, particularly in philosophical or religious traditions.

More Information

"Insignificant" refers to something considered to have little or no importance, meaning, or value. While the word typically implies something that should not be prioritized or emphasized, its usage can be subjective depending on the context. Something deemed insignificant in one context may be of great value or importance in another. Recognizing insignificance allows for prioritizing what truly matters in both personal and societal spheres.