relevance

noun

rel·​e·​vance ˈre-lə-vən(t)s 

1

a

: relation to the matter at hand

b

: practical and especially social applicability : pertinence

giving relevance to college courses

2

: the ability (as of an information retrieval system) to retrieve material that satisfies the needs of the user

Synonyms

• relevancy

Examples of relevance in a Sentence

I appreciate that you did the dishes tonight, but that has no relevance to my enforcement of the punishment you got earlier this week.

Recent Examples on the Web

An examiner's case theory or personal assumptions about relevance can influence which data makes it into the final report. —Lars Daniel, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025

Were overzealous Christians seeking social relevance by forcing a connection? —Rusty Wright, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 July 2025

Garcia continues to explore the potential of voiceover in the civic realm, ensuring that stories, messages, and calls to action are delivered with emotional depth and cultural relevance. —Nia Bowers, USA Today, 11 July 2025

Twenty-five years later, its social relevance is alarming: what was happening then is still happening now. —Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 10 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1787, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for relevance

• irrelevance

Kids Definition

relevance

noun

rel·​e·​vance ˈrel-ə-vən(t)s 

: relation to the matter at hand : pertinence

Legal Definition

relevance

noun

rel·​e·​vance ˈre-lə-vəns 

: the quality or state of being relevant : relation to the matter at hand

ruled on the relevance of the testimony

relevance in discovery has been broadly interpreted