Importance is associated with relevance.
The first thing we are going to do is determine the etymological origin of the term importance at hand. When doing so we find the fact that this word comes from Latin and is the result of the sum of three parts: the prefix in -, which is equivalent to "inwards"; the verb portare , which can be translated as "carry"; and finally the suffix – ia , which means “quality.”
Importance is the quality of what is important . It is a term that allows us to refer to something or someone relevant, prominent or of great importance . For example: "The team needs to hire several important players if it intends to fight for the championship" , "The victim suffered a significant scalp injury" , "The dining room has been blessed with a significant donation that will allow it to function without shocks during the coming months .
What is importance
When something is important, it does not go unnoticed. Its very existence or realization has profound consequences in some aspect, capable of modifying reality.
A person who crashes with your car and suffers minor injuries should not face major problems. On the other hand, if the injuries are significant, it is likely that your life will be altered, at least in the short term.
The concept in different expressions
It is interesting that we are also clear that there are certain expressions that we use in a more colloquial language and that use the term that we are now analyzing. This would be the case, for example, of "giving someone importance." It is a verbal expression that makes it clear that a person has an air of superiority.
We also often use the expression "of utmost importance." Specifically, we use it with the clear objective of stating that a specific issue is vital and is above many others. An example of the use of that would be the following: "The president of the government had to leave the meeting because he received a very important call."
Something highlighted is important.
Likewise, we cannot forget the existence of another verbal phrase that integrates the term that we are now analyzing. Specifically, we are referring to "being of someone's importance." With this, what we try to make clear is that a certain issue or a person is important or of great interest to someone. An example of this expression would be the following: "The budget prepared for the company was of the importance of the director."
Importance and hierarchies
The postulation of importance implies a certain hierarchical scale . Suppose there is a contest that distributes prizes of different values. A prize of ten dollars could be placed on the lower scale of the contest, since it is not very relevant. If the same contest offers a prize of one million dollars, that reward is arguably the largest and therefore of greatest importance.
It must be taken into account that importance can be relative or subjective . The final of the Soccer World Cup can be an event of utmost importance for lovers of this sport , although it will go almost unnoticed for someone who does not like soccer, beyond the impact of the match.