Relevance

Definition

Relevance denotes the quality or state of being closely connected or appropriate in relation to a given matter or subject.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈrɛləvəns/
• Respelling: REL-uh-vuhns (with "REL" as in "sell," "uh" as a neutral sound, and "vuhns" as in "ovens" without the "o")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈrɛləvəns/
• Respelling: REL-uh-vuhns (similar to American English, with "REL" as in "sell," "uh" as a neutral sound, and "vuhns" as in "ovens" without the "o")

In both dialects, "relevance" is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable, "REL." The pronunciation is consistent across both American and British English, clearly articulating each component of the word with emphasis on the "REL" syllable.

Etymology

"Relevance" is derived from the Latin "relevare," which means "to lift up" or "relieve." Over time, its meaning evolved to represent the quality of being pertinent or applicable to a particular matter.

Derivatives

• Relevant
• Relevantly
• Relevancy
• Irrelevant
• Irrelevance

Synonyms

• Pertinence
• Applicability
• Relatedness

Antonyms

• Irrelevance
• Inapplicability
• Unrelatedness

Usage

The term "relevance" is frequently employed across various domains, from academia and research to everyday conversation, emphasizing the importance or appropriateness of something in relation to a specific context.

Related Terms

• Significance
• Materiality
• Bearing
• Connection
• Relation

Detailed Definition

Noun

• The quality or state of being connected or pertinent to a particular matter; appropriateness.
• Example: The relevance of her comments surprised everyone at the meeting.

• The ability to retrieve material that satisfies the needs of the user.
• Example: The search engine's algorithm was updated to improve its relevance in displaying search results.

• Significance or value, especially in a specific context.
• Example: The discovery has great historical relevance.