Relevant Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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relevant

[ˈrɛləvənt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in a particular context

Closely connected or appropriate to what is being done or considered.

Synonyms

applicable, appropriate, pertinent, related.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
relevant	Something that is directly connected or important to the subject being discussed. Her comments were not relevant to the discussion The information is highly relevant to our research
pertinent	Something that is directly related to the matter at hand and important in that context. She asked a few pertinent questions during the meeting The lawyer provided pertinent evidence
applicable	Something that can be applied or used in a particular situation. These rules are not applicable to all cases The law is only applicable to residents
related	Something that has a connection to something else, but not necessarily directly important. These two subjects are loosely related The investigation looked into related topics
appropriate	Something that is suitable or fitting for a particular situation or purpose. It is not appropriate to wear casual clothes to a formal event The manager took appropriate action

Examples of usage

This information is relevant to the investigation.
Her comments were not relevant to the discussion.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

in a general context

Having a bearing on or connection with the matter at hand.

Synonyms

associated, connected, correlated, linked.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
relevant	Use 'relevant' when referring to something that is directly related to the matter at hand or necessary for the current situation. It is often used in formal or academic settings. The information provided was relevant to our discussion Only relevant questions will be answered during the meeting
connected	Use 'connected' when referring to things that are joined or linked together in some manner, either physically or in more abstract terms like ideas or people. This can be used in everyday conversation or in more serious discussions. All the rooms in the house are connected by a hallway Her happiness is connected to her family's well-being
linked	Use 'linked' when you are referring to a direct relationship or connection, often implying a causal connection. It can be used in a variety of contexts, both formal and informal. Poor diet has been linked to various health issues The two crimes were linked by the evidence found at the scene
associated	Use 'associated' when referring to something that is connected in some way, especially in terms of a relationship or cause-and-effect. This word can be used in both formal and informal contexts. He was closely associated with the project’s success There are health risks associated with smoking
correlated	Use 'correlated' when discussing two or more things that seem to have a mutual relationship or pattern, often used in more technical or scientific contexts. This term suggests a statistical or analytical relationship. Years of data show that worker productivity is correlated with job satisfaction The study found that stress levels are correlated with sleep quality

Examples of usage

His experience is not relevant to the job he is applying for.
The new evidence was relevant to the case.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

In psychological terms, relevancy plays a crucial role in attention and memory, as people tend to remember information that connects to their interests.
The Process of Elaboration in learning emphasizes the importance of relating new information to what one already knows, making it more relevant.

Education

In education, relevant curriculum design considers students' lives, aiming to make learning more impactful and engaging.
Studies show that when content is relevant to students' experiences, their motivation and performance significantly improve.

Pop Culture

In contemporary discussions, being relevant often relates to the media and social platforms, with movements like ‘stay relevant’ calling for constant engagement.
Popular figures in music, film, and social movements often seek to remain culturally relevant by adapting to current trends and discussions.

Technology

Algorithms on social media platforms utilize relevance to tailor content to users based on their preferences and interactions.
Search engines prioritize relevant results, relying on complex algorithms to determine which webpages best match a user's query.

Origin of 'relevant'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'relevantem,' meaning 'to lift up' or 'to relate to,' combining 're-' (again) and 'levare' (to lift).
It first entered the English language in the 15th century, primarily used in legal and academic contexts.

The word 'relevant' originated from the Latin word 'relevare', which means 'to lift up' or 'to lighten'. The term evolved over time to signify something that is closely connected or appropriate to a particular context. Its usage in English can be traced back to the 16th century.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,558, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.

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