Relevance: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'relevance' when discussing how closely something is related to the topic at hand.

• The relevance of her argument to the discussion was evident.
• Questions about the relevance of his data were raised.

Use 'importance' when emphasizing how valuable or crucial something is.

• The importance of this discovery cannot be overstated.
• He always stresses the importance of punctuality.

Use 'significance' to discuss the deeper meaning or far-reaching consequences of something.

• The significance of the event in history cannot be ignored.
• She understood the significance of his words immediately.

Use 'pertinence' when highlighting that something is directly applicable or significant to a particular matter.

• The pertinence of her advice was appreciated by all.
• They debated the pertinence of introducing this new rule.

Use 'relevance' when referring to how much something pertains to the topic at hand.

• The relevance of his comments to the discussion is questionable
• The relevance of this study to modern science is significant

Use 'appropriateness' to judge whether something is suitable or proper for a specific situation, often in social contexts.

• The appropriateness of his behavior at the meeting was questionable
• She doubted the appropriateness of wearing jeans to the formal event

Use 'applicability' when discussing whether a rule, theory, or idea can be applied in a particular situation.

• The applicability of these laws in other regions is still under debate
• Before making a decision, we need to assess the applicability of this solution in our context

Use 'suitability' to refer to how well someone or something fits a particular purpose or role.

• We need to evaluate the suitability of these candidates for the job
• The suitability of this fabric for summer wear makes it a popular choice

This term is best used when discussing how pertinent or applicable something is to the matter at hand or the current situation.

• The relevance of this article to our research cannot be overstated
• The new regulations hold little relevance to our current practices

This term is appropriate when referring to the usefulness or practicality of something, more often from a technical or functional perspective.

• The utility of this tool in the construction industry is unparalleled
• We need to consider the utility of each feature before release

This is suitable for describing an advantage or positive outcome gained from something. Often used in contexts involving personal or communal gain.

• The health benefits of regular exercise are well-documented
• Investing in solar panels has multiple financial benefits

Use this term to talk about how well something achieves its intended outcome or objective.

• The effectiveness of the new marketing strategy was evident in the increased sales
• We need to evaluate the effectiveness of our current methods