germane

relevant, germane, material, pertinent, apposite, applicable, apropos mean relating to or bearing upon the matter in hand. relevant implies a traceable, significant, logical connection.

• • found material relevant to her case

germane may additionally imply a fitness for or appropriateness to the situation or occasion.

• • a point not germane to the discussion

material implies so close a relationship that it cannot be dispensed with without serious alteration of the case.

• • facts material to the investigation

pertinent stresses a clear and decisive relevance.

• • a pertinent observation

apposite suggests a felicitous relevance.

• • add an apposite quotation to the definition

applicable suggests the fitness of bringing a general rule or principle to bear upon a particular case.

• • the rule is not applicable in this case

apropos suggests being both relevant and opportune.

• • the quip was apropos