How to pronounce important
Say it like im-POR-tunt. Important has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (POR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce important. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- im
- POR
- tunt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Important pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- imGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- PORSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- tuntKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of important
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: im-PAW-tunt.
What does important mean?
- of great significance or value“important people”“the important questions of the day”
- important in effect or meaning“a significant change in tax laws”“a significant change in the Constitution”
- of extreme importance; vital to the resolution of a crisis“a crucial moment in his career”“a crucial election”
Where does important come from?
Displaced native Old English hēah and hefiġ.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying important
How do you pronounce important?
Say im-POR-tunt. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪmˈpɔrtənt/. In British English it is /ɪmˈpɔːtənt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in important?
Important has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (POR). Broken into parts: im · POR · tunt.
Is important pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ɪmˈpɔːtənt/ (im-PAW-tunt).