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

What distinguishes valuable insight is not its novelty of origin, but its clarity, coherence and relevance. —Chris Reed, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2025

Her analysis demonstrates Douglass’s historical foresight, reinforcing his ongoing relevance. —Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 4 July 2025

Trump could be referring to wholesale gas prices but such price levels hold little relevance since they are not paid by consumers, de Haan said. —Max Zahn, ABC News, 3 July 2025

Deliver value, be on time, project energy, share relevance and know your value proposition well. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 2 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