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

Understanding how technology has impacted politics and international relations historically is key to making sense of its relevance today. —Foreign Affairs, 10 June 2024

Many other legacy businesses on the list have dwindled in relevance and watched their position slowly slide down the rankings. —Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 7 June 2024

Their level of understanding regarding their teen’s experiences was evaluated through the relevance of their suggestions and responses. —Charlotte Hu, Scientific American, 5 June 2024

The Cougars and Beavers will attract only a fraction of the total eyeballs available, but the size of the viewing universe isn’t irrelevant in their pursuit of relevance. —Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 4 June 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