significance

Universal Words noun [U,C] 1 the importance of sth, especially when this has an effect on what happens in the future: a decision of major political significance * The new drug has great significance for the treatment of the disease. * We should be fully aware of the significance of television in shaping our ideas. OPPINSIGNIFICANCE 2 the meaning of sth: She couldn't grasp the full significance of what he had said. * Do these symbols have any particular significance?