Relevant

Definition

The term "relevant" describes something closely connected or appropriate to the matter at hand.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈrɛl.ə.vənt/
• Respelling: REL-uh-vuhnt

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈrɛl.ə.vənt/
• Respelling: REL-uh-vuhnt

Etymology

The word "relevant" originates from the Latin "relevare," meaning "to lighten or lift up," from "re-" (again) and "levare" (to raise). It entered English in the 16th century with the sense of "bearing upon or connected with a subject."

Derivatives

• Relevance (noun)
• Irrelevant (adjective)
• Relevancy (noun)
• Relevantly (adverb)
• Irrelevance (noun)

Synonyms

• Applicable
• Pertinent
• Appropriate

Antonyms

• Irrelevant
• Unrelated
• Inappropriate

Usage

The term "relevant" is commonly used to emphasize the importance or applicability of information, ideas, or objects to a specific context. For example, "The professor emphasized the need to use relevant examples in the essay."

Related Terms

• Pertinence: The quality of being directly related to a subject.
• Significance: The importance of something in a given context.
• Correlation: A mutual relationship or connection between two or more things.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Closely connected to the subject under discussion: Refers to the significance or appropriateness of something in a specific context.
  • Example: "Her comments were highly relevant to the ongoing debate."
• Having a bearing on or affecting the outcome: Refers to information or factors that influence decisions or actions.
  • Example: "The data presented is not relevant to the case being reviewed."