Relevant: meaning, definitions and examples

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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