important

(ĭm-pôrˈtnt)

adjective

1. Strongly affecting the course of events or the nature of things; significant: an important message that must get through; close friends who are important to me.
2. Having or suggesting a consciousness of high position or authority; authoritative: recited the decree with an important air.
3. Obsolete Importunate.

Related Forms:

• im·porˈtant·ly adverb

Usage Note: Some critics have objected to the use of the phrase more importantly in place of more important when one introduces an assertion, as in More importantly, no one is ready to step into the vacuum left by the retiring senator. But both forms are widely used by reputable writers, and there is no obvious reason for preferring one or the other.