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

• applicability
• bearing
• connection
• materiality
• pertinence
• 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

The old metrics of union — geography, enrollment, history, culture, mission, academics — have been replaced by the modern masters of revenue and relevance. —Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 May 2024

The city's downtown, anchored by the spectacular Duomo Cathedral and the world-famous La Scala theater, is also home to many designer showrooms, contemporary art galleries, and boutiques showcasing Milan's cultural and historical relevance. —Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 9 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1787, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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