Import — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /im-ˈpȯrt/ (verb) /ˈim-ˌpȯrt/ (noun) im·port

Meaning & Definition of Import

Import (verb)

  1. to bring from a foreign or external source
  2. to bring (something, such as merchandise) into a place or country from another country
  3. to transfer (files or data) from one format to another usually within a new file

Import (noun)

  1. something that is imported
  2. importation
  3. importance; especially, relative importance

Import (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the quality or state of being important

    "I can't overemphasize the import of this examination on your future academic career"

    similar: account, consequence, importance, magnitude, moment, momentousness, significance, weight, weightiness
    related: celebrity, distinction, eminence, fame, note, noteworthiness, notoriety, preeminence, prominence, renown, store, substance, substantiveness, value, worth, worthiness, gravity, seriousness, authority, control, dominion, mastery, potency, power, sway, mark, name, report, reputation, repute, centrality, essentiality, essentialness, cachet, position, prestige, rank, standing, stature, status, glory, greatness, honor, illustriousness
    opposite: insignificance, littleness, puniness, slightness, smallness, triviality
    near: paltriness, pettiness, valuelessness, worthlessness, discredit, disgrace, dishonor, disrepute, ignominy, infamy, odium, opprobrium, shame, anonymity, obscurity

  2. the idea that is conveyed or intended to be conveyed to the mind by language, symbol, or action

    "didn't understand all the technical jargon, but got the general import of the speech"

    similar: content, denotation, drift, intent, intention, meaning, purport, sense, significance, signification
    related: connotation, clue, cue, hint, implication, indication, inkling, intimation, suggestion, message, tenor, theme, bottom, essence, essentiality, nature, soul, spirit, stuff, acceptance, acceptation, definition, burden, crux, gist, core, heart, kernel, marrow, nub, nucleus, pith, point, quick, matter, motif, motive, question, subject, topic

Import (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to be of importance

    "it imports little whether you like Grandma's gift; you should have graciously thanked her"

    similar: count, matter, mean, signify, weigh, carry weight, cut ice
    related: affect, concern, influence, sway, add up (to), amount (to)

  2. to communicate or convey (as an idea) to the mind

    "the word freedom can import different things to different people"

    similar: denote, express, intend, mean, signify, spell
    related: connote, imply, suggest, add up (to), amount (to), hint, infer, insinuate, intimate, embody, epitomize, personify, represent, symbol, symbolize, advert, allude (to), cite, instance, mention, refer (to), specify, touch (on or upon), designate, indicate, point (to), signal, announce, declare, proclaim, elucidate, explain

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Import

The most common words with a similar meaning to Import:

account, consequence, importance, magnitude, moment, momentousness, significance, weight, weightiness, content, denotation, drift, intent, intention, meaning, purport, sense, signification, count, matter, mean, signify, weigh, denote, express, intend, spell, carry weight, cut ice

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Import

Words with the opposite meaning of Import:

insignificance, littleness, puniness, slightness, smallness, triviality

Related Words for Import

celebrity, distinction, eminence, fame, note, noteworthiness, notoriety, preeminence, prominence, renown, store, substance, substantiveness, value, worth, worthiness, gravity, seriousness, authority, control, dominion, mastery, potency, power, sway, mark, name, report, reputation, repute

Near Antonyms of Import

paltriness, pettiness, valuelessness, worthlessness, discredit, disgrace, dishonor, disrepute, ignominy, infamy, odium, opprobrium, shame, anonymity, obscurity

Word Forms of Import

Inflections: imported, importing, imports

Derived words: importable (adjective), importer (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Import

Middle English, from Medieval Latin importare to bring in, cause, signify, from Latin, to bring in, cause, from in- + portare to carry fare

First known use: 15th centuryt

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Import

  • Topics: Business & Economics

Frequently Asked Questions about Import

What does "Import" mean?

"Import" means to bring from a foreign or external source. As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: to bring from a foreign or external source. It has 4 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Import"?

Other words for "Import" include account, consequence, importance, magnitude, moment, momentousness, significance and weight. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Import" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Import"?

There are 145 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Import". Common alternatives include account, consequence, importance, magnitude, moment, momentousness, significance, weight, weightiness and content.

What is the opposite of "Import"?

Antonyms of "Import" include insignificance, littleness, puniness, slightness, smallness and triviality. Near antonyms include paltriness, pettiness, valuelessness and worthlessness.

How do you use "Import" in a sentence?

Examples of "Import" in a sentence: "I can't overemphasize the import of this examination on your future academic career"; "didn't understand all the technical jargon, but got the general import of the speech"; "it imports little whether you like Grandma's gift; you should have graciously thanked her".

Is "Import" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Import" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Import"?

"Import" is pronounced /im-ˈpȯrt/ as a verb and /ˈim-ˌpȯrt/ as a noun and divided into syllables as im·port.

What is the origin of the word "Import"?

"Import" comes from Middle English, from Medieval Latin importare to bring in, cause, signify, from Latin, to bring in, cause, from in- + portare to carry fare. First known use: 15th centuryt.