If you're a non-native English speaker, understanding how to properly pronounce important is essential.
The word "important" can be broken down into sounds, which help with its pronunciation in both British and American English. Here are the IPA transcriptions for each:

• American Pronunciation: /ɪmˈpɔrtənt/
  • Begins with the /ɪm/ sound, where the mouth is slightly open and the tongue is near the front of the mouth but not touching the roof.
  • Followed by the /ˈpɔr/ part, with the 'p' sound produced by both lips coming together briefly, and the 'or' sound which is a bit rounded and more pronounced than in British English.
  • Ends with the /tənt/ sound, starting with a clear, crisp 't' sound, followed by the /ənt/ which is the schwa sound followed by 'nt'. The schwa is a quick, relaxed, and unstressed 'uh' sound, making the ending softer.
• British Pronunciation: /ɪmˈpɔːtənt/
  • Similar to the American pronunciation at the beginning with the /ɪm/ sound.
  • The /ˈpɔː/ part in British English is longer due to the absence of the 'r' sound, focusing on the 'or' part with a slightly different vowel sound that is more open.
  • The ending /tənt/ matches the American pronunciation with minor differences in the quality of the 't' sound and the schwa.

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Important (adj): Having great significance or value; likely to have a profound effect on success, survival, or well-being.