Talk:important

Usage

I have seen important used often in the following medical context and am wondering if it is a convention I am unfamiliar with. "Dengue is the most important disease caused by an arbovirus worldwide". The paragraph goes on to describe the worldwide prevalence and symptomology of Dengue caused by the virus. I think the correct term to use in this context is common. Any feedback would be appreciated!162.129.44.19 16:38, 7 February 2007 (UTC)

I wonder if it might be a translationism by non-native speakers? The French word important can mean « Qui atteint un niveau dont on juge qu'il est grand » ("reaching a level considered big"). —Ruakh_TALK 19:42, 7 February 2007 (UTC)

That’s correct. The word important in this sense means weighty, significant. It does not mean or imply anything like beneficial, and it’s not the same as common. —Stephen 17:59, 8 February 2007 (UTC)

Meanings lacking

I, a non-native speaker, estimate many meanings are lacking in the article. --Daniel Polansky 11:59, 6 September 2007 (UTC)