Irrelevant

Definition

Not connected with or relevant to something; not important or applicable.

Parts of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

IPA Pronunciation: /ɪˈrɛləvənt/
Respelling: ih-REL-uh-vuhnt (with "ih" as in "bit," "REL" as in "tell," "uh" as in "sofa," and "vuhnt" as in "blunt")

British English

IPA Pronunciation: /ɪˈrɛləvənt/
Respelling: ih-REL-uh-vuhnt (with "ih" as in "bit," "REL" as in "tell," "uh" as in "sofa," and "vuhnt" as in "blunt")

In both dialects, "irrelevant" places the primary stress on the second syllable, "REL." The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "ih-REL-uh-vuhnt."

Etymology

Derived from Latin "ir-" meaning "not" + "relevant", from Latin "relevāns", present participle of "relevō" (to raise up, relieve).

Derivatives

Irrelevance (noun)
Irrelevantly (adverb)
Irrelevancy (noun)
Relevant (adjective, antonym)
Relevance (noun, antonym)

Synonyms

Inapplicable
Immaterial
Unrelated

Antonyms

Relevant
Pertinent
Applicable

Usage

"Irrelevant" is commonly used to describe information, arguments, or topics that do not apply to the subject under discussion or consideration.

Related Terms

Inconsequential
Nonessential
Extraneous
Insignificant
Trivial

Detailed Definition

Adjective

Irrelevant (Adjective): Not connected with or relevant to something.
- Example: "His comments were irrelevant to the discussion about climate change."
- Example: "The judge deemed the evidence irrelevant and dismissed it."
- Example: "Whether or not he was late for the meeting is irrelevant since the decision had already been made."