significant

Universal Words adjective 1 large or important enough to have an effect or to be noticed: a highly significant discovery * The results of the experiment are not statistically significant. * There are no significant differences between the two groups of students. * Your work has shown a significant improvement. * These views are held by a significant proportion of the population. * It is significant that girls generally do better in examinations than boys. * The drug has had no significant effect on stopping the spread of the disease. OPPINSIGNIFICANT 2 having a particular meaning: It is significant that he changed his will only days before his death. 3 [usuallybeforenoun] having a special or secret meaning that is not understood by everyone SYNMEANINGFUL: a significant look / smile