1

Is there a relation between the words import (in a trade sense) and important (special, etc)? It seems to me that there is, or rather that there should be, but I was wondering if anyone can give some proper clarification.

Improve this question
1
  • Important means of import. But I suppose you're asking about import as an antonym of export. I'd make it clear in your question if I were you.
    – Armen Ծիրունյան
    Commented Nov 9, 2014 at 21:39

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
3

The etymology of the two terms shows that they have the same origin, the Latin 'importare' (bring in):

Import (v.):

  • early 15c., "convey information, express, make known, signify," from Latin importare "bring in, convey," from assimilated form of in- "into, in" (see in- (2)) + portare "to carry" (see port (n.1)). Sense of "bring in goods from abroad" first recorded c.1500.

Important(adj.):

  • mid-15c., from Middle French important and directly from Medieval Latin importantem (nominative importans), present participle of importare "be significant in," from Latin importare "bring in" (see import).
Improve this answer

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .