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

But for a franchise that has lagged behind its rivals for decades, a win could finally signal an era of relevance. —Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024

Judges are looking for relevance to neuroscience, creativity, accurate interpretation of data and quality of the research report. —Kristen Moon, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

Slipknot have since gone multi-platinum, founded their own music festival, and stretched far beyond their parochial metal scene into persistent cultural relevance. —Emma Madden, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2024

While reflecting on her decision to direct the film in addition to starring in it, Kendrick told Entertainment Weekly that the story intrigued her because of its continued relevance in dating culture. —Shania Russell, EW.com, 28 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