c. 1400, "meaning," from Old French significance or directly from Latin significantia "meaning, force, energy," from significans, present participle of significare "to mean, import, signify" (see signify). The earlier word was signifiance (mid-13c.). Meaning "importance" is from 1725. Related: Significancy.
do not underestimate the significance of nuclear power
the significance of his remark became clear only later
the significance of a red traffic light
signature
signboard
signee
signer
signet
significance
significant
signification
signifier
signify
sign-in