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Topicality: meaning, definitions and examples

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topicality

 

[təˌpɪkˈæləti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in journalism

The quality or state of being of current relevance or interest.

Synonyms

currentness, pertinence, relevance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
topicality

Used when something is of immediate interest or importance due to recent events or trends.

  • The topicality of climate change discussions makes it a priority for policymakers.
  • The article's topicality drew massive online engagement.
relevance

Indicates the degree to which something is connected to the topic being discussed or its applicability to a situation.

  • The relevance of social media in modern marketing cannot be overstated.
  • She questioned the relevance of his argument in the discussion.
currentness

Refers to how up-to-date or modern something is. Often used in the context of information, technology, or studies.

  • The currentness of the data is crucial for accurate analysis.
  • She updated the software to ensure its currentness.
pertinence

Used to describe how closely something is related to the matter at hand, highlighting its importance or suitability.

  • The pertinence of his comments to the debate was appreciated by everyone.
  • Please ensure all your points have pertinence to the main topic.

Examples of usage

  • The article lacked topicality and failed to engage the readers.
  • The journalist's ability to capture the topicality of the issue made the report impactful.
Context #2 | Noun

in academic discussions

The extent to which a subject is pertinent to the matter at hand.

Synonyms

applicability, pertinence, relevance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
topicality

Used to describe something that is current and relevant to present events or issues. Often used in news, media, and discussions about contemporary matters.

  • The topicality of the climate change debate cannot be overstated.
  • Her speech on social justice had a strong sense of topicality.
pertinence

Indicates that something is directly related and important to the matter at hand. Frequently used in formal or academic settings to stress the importance of information or arguments.

  • The pertinence of these documents to the investigation cannot be ignored.
  • Her questions were of great pertinence to our discussion.
relevance

Shows how connected or important something is to the subject being discussed. Widely used in both formal and informal contexts to highlight the importance or significance of information.

  • The relevance of the article to modern medical practices is significant.
  • She questioned the relevance of his comment during the meeting.
applicability

Refers to how well something can be applied or used in a specific situation. Commonly used in academic, legal, or technical contexts to discuss the practical use of theories or principles.

  • The applicability of this scientific method in real-world settings is still being tested.
  • We need to assess the applicability of these new regulations in our current system.

Examples of usage

  • The professor emphasized the topicality of the research findings in relation to the current debate.
  • The discussion lacked topicality as it veered off into unrelated topics.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • Derived from the word 'topic', which comes from the Greek 'topos', meaning 'place' or 'topic of discussion'.
  • First appeared in English in the late 19th century, as a way to describe subjects that were relevant at a specific time.

Media & Communication

  • In media, topicality often dictates which stories receive coverage, as journalists aim to inform the public about pressing issues.
  • Social media algorithms prioritize content that is topically relevant, affecting what news and events people see.

Psychology

  • Research shows that people are more engaged with discussions about topical issues, as they relate closely to their daily lives.
  • Topical relevance can influence a person’s mood; discussing current events can evoke feelings of empowerment or anxiety.

Literature

  • Authors often use topical issues to connect with readers, addressing social or political events to enhance relevancy.
  • Satirical works frequently highlight topicality by using humor to comment on current events and societal norms.

Politics

  • Topicality plays a significant role in political debates, where candidates focus on pressing issues to appeal to voters.
  • The effectiveness of campaign messages can hinge on their topical relevance, as addressing current concerns can resonate more with the electorate.

Translations

Translations of the word "topicality" in other languages:

🇵🇹 relevância

🇮🇳 प्रासंगिकता

🇩🇪 Relevanz

🇮🇩 relevansi

🇺🇦 актуальність

🇵🇱 aktualność

🇯🇵 関連性

🇫🇷 pertinence

🇪🇸 relevancia

🇹🇷 önem

🇰🇷 관련성

🇸🇦 أهمية

🇨🇿 relevance

🇸🇰 relevantnosť

🇨🇳 相关性

🇸🇮 relevantnost

🇮🇸 viðeigandi

🇰🇿 маңыздылық

🇬🇪 მნიშვნელობა

🇦🇿 əhəmiyyət

🇲🇽 relevancia

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,242 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.