In statistics:
* Statistical significance: Refers to a result that is unlikely to have occurred by chance. This is usually determined by a p-value, which represents the probability of observing the data if there was no real effect. A p-value less than 0.05 is typically considered statistically significant.
* Practical significance: Focuses on whether a statistically significant result is meaningful in real-world applications. A result might be statistically significant but have little practical value.
In general usage:
* Importance: Something that holds great value or meaning. For example, "The discovery of penicillin had great significance in the fight against bacterial infections."
* Meaning: The underlying message or implication of something. For example, "The author's use of symbolism has a deeper significance."
* Weight: The level of importance or influence something has. For example, "The senator's statement has significant weight in the upcoming debate."
In specific fields:
* Significance in research: The impact or relevance of research findings to the field of study or the wider community.
* Significance in literature: The deeper meaning or interpretation of a literary work.
* Significance in history: The impact or importance of an event or figure on the course of history.
To understand the specific meaning of "significance," you need to consider the context in which it is used.