importantly

Meanings

1. 1adverbnot comparable

   Used at the start of a statement to point out something that matters a great deal.

   Grammar: Usually stands at the start of a sentence, often as more importantly or most importantly.

   Patterns

   • more importantly, ...
   • most importantly, ...

   The test was quick, and more importantly, it was painless.

   Most importantly, remember to back up your files.

   Importantly, the results were confirmed by a second lab.

2. 2adverbnot comparable

   In a way that suggests personal importance or self-regard.

   Grammar: Follows a verb such as talk, strut or speak.

   Patterns

   • talk importantly
   • speak importantly

   The new manager strode importantly down the corridor.

   He nodded importantly and said nothing.

   She cleared her throat importantly before beginning.

Common combinations

more importantly

It saves money and, more importantly, it saves time.

most importantly

Most importantly, stay calm.

and importantly

The plan is cheap and, importantly, safe.

strut importantly

The rooster strutted importantly across the yard.

Synonyms and how they differ

significantly

Significantly can mean by a large amount, so it fits changes in size, whereas importantly points out a key fact.

crucially

Crucially says the point is decisive for the outcome, and it is stronger than importantly.

above all

Above all ranks something first among several things, but importantly can add a point without ranking it highest.

notably

Notably draws attention to a striking example, rather than a point that carries great weight.

Opposites

Word family

important adjective

having great value or effect

importance noun

the quality of being important

unimportant adjective

not mattering much

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “importantly”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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