Etymology of the English word significant
the English word
significantderived from the Latin word
significans (significant, meaningful; conveying meaning)
derived from the Latin word
significare (signify, indicate, show)
derived from the Latin word
facere (to make; act, take action, be active; compose, write; classify; do, make; create; make, build, construct; produce; produce by growth; bring forth)
derived from the Proto-Indo-European root
*dhē-derived from the Late Latin word
signum (battle standard; indication; seal)
derived from the Latin word
secare (to cut; cut, sever; decide)
derived from the Proto-Indo-European root
*sek-derived from the Proto-Indo-European root
*sekʷ-Date
The earliest known usage of significant in English dates from the 16th century.
Derivations in English
insignificantCognates
Dutch
significant, French
signifiant, German
signifikant, Norwegian
signifikant, Swedish
signifikantUsage
Word found in Modern English
