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Pertinence Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pertinence

[หˆpษœหrtษชnษ™ns ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in a discussion

The quality of being relevant or applicable. The state of being pertinent.

Synonyms

applicability, appropriateness, relevance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pertinence

Use when you want to emphasize how closely related something is to the topic at hand, especially in formal or academic settings.

  • Her comments had a direct pertinence to the issues we were discussing
  • The pertinence of this research to current economic trends is undeniable
relevance

Use this word to indicate how something is connected or important to the matter being discussed, often when considering broader impacts or implications.

  • The relevance of her work to modern architecture is clear
  • Many people questioned the relevance of his comments in the context of the discussion
applicability

Best used when discussing how well a concept, rule, or proposal can be applied to a particular situation or case.

  • The applicability of this law to small businesses remains a topic of debate
  • We need to test the applicability of this theory in real-world scenarios
appropriateness

Ideal for discussing whether something is suitable or proper for a specific situation, often considering social norms or expectations. Can imply a moral or ethical dimension.

  • Questions were raised about the appropriateness of his behavior at the meeting
  • They are debating the appropriateness of this attire for the event

Examples of usage

  • The pertinence of his comments to the topic at hand was impressive.
  • Her argument lacked pertinence to the main issue.
Context #2 | Noun

legal

The quality of being relevant or to the point. The quality of being appropriate to the matter at hand.

Synonyms

appropriateness, materiality, relevance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pertinence

This word is similar to 'relevance' and is used in neutral contexts to convey how closely something relates to a matter at hand, often with a slight formal tone.

  • The speaker stressed the pertinence of historical context in understanding modern issues
relevance

A general term widely used to indicate the degree to which something is related to or useful for a particular topic or matter. It is neutral and very common in everyday language.

  • She questioned the relevance of his comments during the meeting
appropriateness

This is best used when considering if something is suitable or proper for a particular situation or context. It commonly carries a judgment about what is right or fitting.

  • She questioned the appropriateness of his casual attire at the formal event
materiality

Typically used in formal or legal contexts to indicate the significance or importance of information in influencing decisions, especially in financial or legal matters.

  • The auditor emphasized the materiality of the discovered discrepancies in the financial report

Examples of usage

  • The pertinence of the evidence to the case was crucial for the verdict.
  • The lawyer emphasized the pertinence of the witness's testimony.
Context #3 | Noun

general

The quality of being relevant or appropriate. The state of being on point.

Synonyms

applicability, appropriateness, relevance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
pertinence

Used to refer to the direct connection or importance of something to the matter at hand, often in formal or academic contexts.

  • The pertinence of his research to the current issues was evident.
  • During the meeting, she questioned the pertinence of these statistics.
relevance

Refers to the connection or significance of something to the matter at hand, often used in discussions, arguments, and informational contexts.

  • The relevance of his argument to the case was undeniable.
  • They debated the relevance of historical events to the current situation.
appropriateness

Refers to the suitability of something for a particular situation or purpose, often used in social, cultural, or professional contexts.

  • She questioned the appropriateness of his casual attire at the formal event.
  • The appropriateness of the comment was discussed during the meeting.
applicability

Refers to how something can be applied or is relevant in a practical sense, often used in contexts involving rules, principles, theories, and other frameworks.

  • The applicability of the new law to small businesses is still under debate.
  • His discovery has wide applicability in modern medicine.

Examples of usage

  • The pertinence of his advice to the situation was appreciated.
  • The pertinence of her experience to the job requirements was evident.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research indicates that people remember information better when it is pertinent to their own experiences, showing the importance of context.
  • In cognitive psychology, relevance impacts attention and processing speed, meaning we focus more on what's pertinent to us.
  • The idea of 'cognitive relevance' is essential in therapies, where discussing pertinent issues can aid in personal growth and healing.

Education

  • Teaching methods that incorporate students' interests make lessons more pertinent, promoting engagement and retention.
  • Curriculums are often designed to connect new knowledge to real-world applications, enhancing the pertinence of academic learning.
  • Assessment techniques evaluate how well students grasp pertinent information, guiding instructional adjustments for better learning outcomes.

Communication

  • In effective communication, maintaining pertinence helps keep discussions focused and productive, avoiding distractions.
  • Pertinent questions can drive deeper conversations, enabling better understanding and clarity in dialogues.
  • In debates, the pertinence of arguments is crucial; points that are relevant to the topic strengthen one's position significantly.

Pop Culture

  • TV shows often explore social issues that resonate with viewers, making the themes pertinent to audiences and sparking discussions.
  • Popular songs frequently reflect current societal concerns, enhancing their pertinence to listenersโ€™ lives.
  • In literature, authors create relatable characters and dilemmas to ensure their stories remain pertinent to readers across ages.

Origin of 'pertinence'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'pertinence' comes from the Latin 'pertinentia', meaning 'to belong to' or 'to relate to'.
  • It evolved through Old French 'pertinence' before entering English in the late Middle Ages, showcasing its long history in language.
  • Originally, it was used in legal contexts to refer to relevant evidence or arguments, reflecting its crucial role in decision-making.

The word 'pertinence' comes from the Latin word 'pertinentia', which means 'pertaining to'. It has been used in the English language since the late 14th century. The concept of pertinence has always been important in discussions, legal matters, and general communication, as it signifies the relevance and appropriateness of information or actions. Understanding the pertinence of a topic or argument is crucial for effective communication and decision-making.

See also: impertinent, pertinency, pertinent.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,461, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.