relevance

noun

rel·​e·​vance ˈre-lə-vən(t)s 

1

a

: relation to the matter at hand

b

: practical and especially social applicability : pertinence

giving relevance to college courses

2

: the ability (as of an information retrieval system) to retrieve material that satisfies the needs of the user

Synonyms

• applicability
• bearing
• connection
• materiality
• pertinence
• relevancy

Examples of relevance in a Sentence

I appreciate that you did the dishes tonight, but that has no relevance to my enforcement of the punishment you got earlier this week.

Recent Examples on the Web

There is an expectation of up to the second relevance, a fun-to-watch impression, and a comment — or comments — on the state of their candidacy. —Andy Hoglund, EW.com, 20 Oct. 2024

The goal of the individualized assessment is to ensure that decisions are made fairly and reflect the relevance of the criminal record to the role. —Alonzo Martinez, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024

Hôtel du Couvent Far beyond adaptive reuse cosplay, the hotel’s renovation is remarkable, weaving historical reverence with modern relevance. —Paul Jebara, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2024

Litecoin is an old cryptocurrency whose relevance has been slipping. —Brady Dale, Axios, 17 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1787, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

relevance

noun

rel·​e·​vance ˈrel-ə-vən(t)s 

: relation to the matter at hand : pertinence

Legal Definition

relevance

noun

rel·​e·​vance ˈre-lə-vəns 

: the quality or state of being relevant : relation to the matter at hand

ruled on the relevance of the testimony

relevance in discovery has been broadly interpreted