Importance (noun)

1. The quality or state of being important; significance.
2. The quality of being worthy of attention; consequence.
3. The quality of being significant or having an effect on a situation or event.

Origin:

Late middle english: from old french importaunce, from latin importantia, from important- "weighing heavily", from the verb importare (see import).

Examples:

1. He understood the importance of education.
2. She placed great importance on her family.
3. The importance of the discovery cannot be overstated.
4. The importance of regular exercise is well-known.
5. The importance of good communication cannot be underestimated.