What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
meaningful
Example
The book had a meaningful impact on my life. [meaningful: adjective]
Example
Volunteering at the shelter was a meaningful experience for me. [meaningful: adjective]
Example
We had a meaningful conversation about our future plans. [meaningful: adjective]
significant
Example
The discovery of the new species was significant for the scientific community. [significant: adjective]
Example
The company reported a significant increase in profits this quarter. [significant: adjective]
Example
The handshake was a significant gesture of respect and agreement. [significant: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Significant is more commonly used than meaningful in everyday language. Significant is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while meaningful is less common and often used in more personal or emotional contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between meaningful and significant?
Both meaningful and significant can be used in formal and informal contexts, but significant may be more commonly used in formal writing or academic contexts due to its objective and measurable connotations.
