What does significant mean?

The word significant has multiple meanings depending on the context it is used in. Here are some common meanings of the word "significant":

1. Important: Something that is significant is considered important or has great value or meaning.

- Example: The discovery of the cure for a disease was a significant scientific breakthrough.

2. Meaningful: Significant can also mean having a specific meaning or relevance.

- Example: The symbols in the painting held significant religious meaning.

3. Considerable: When something is described as significant, it may indicate a substantial amount or degree.

- Example: There has been a significant increase in the cost of living in recent years.

4. Statistically Significant: In statistics, "significant" is used to describe a result or finding that is unlikely to have occurred by chance alone and is considered statistically meaningful.

- Example: The study found a statistically significant correlation between smoking and lung cancer.

5. Noteworthy: Something significant can also refer to something that is worth noticing or paying attention to.

- Example: The player scored a significant goal that changed the course of the match.

6. Influential: Significant can be used to describe someone or something that has a substantial impact or influence.

- Example: The leader's speech had a significant influence on the nation's policies.

7. Indicative: Significant can be used to indicate or suggest something more profound.

- Example: The significant damage to the building indicated the intensity of the storm.