What does relevance mean?
Relevance describes the relationship between an idea, piece of information, or event and something that matters to us, such as a question, decision, subject, or goal. A statement can be true and well supported yet still have little relevance if it does not bear on the issue being considered. The word is especially common in academic, legal, political, and professional discussion, where writers distinguish information that is merely interesting from information that is directly applicable or illuminating. In everyday use, relevance often suggests timeliness: a news story is relevant when it helps explain what is happening now. The closely related adjective relevant identifies something connected or pertinent, while irrelevant means that something has no meaningful bearing on the subject. The alternative noun relevancy is understood but much less common in modern English. Overall, relevance names the connection that gives information its value.
nounThe quality of being relevant, especially of being closely related or applicable to a particular subject, issue, or purpose. It may also refer to a specific connection or bearing on something.
- The quality of being closely related, applicable, or pertinent to a particular subject, issue, concern, or purpose.
- A specific relationship, connection, or bearing on a particular subject or issue.
"The study offers useful insight but has limited relevance to the problem under discussion."
"The research may be impressive, but its relevance to everyday practice remains uncertain."
"The judge considered the witness's personal history irrelevant to the case."
A rare plural in modern English, used mainly when distinct relationships or connections are treated individually.
"The index distinguishes the separate relevances of the evidence to each part of the argument."
Relevance is what turns information from the world into something worth your attention.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does relevance come from?
Relevance entered English in the early 17th century through French relevance, derived from Latin relevantem, meaning “connected” or “pertinent.” The Latin word was the present participle of relevare, literally “to raise again” or “bring back,” and developed the sense of being related or bearing upon a matter. Its English relatives relevant and irrelevant reflect the same Latin participial form, while relevancy preserves an alternative English formation.
Related word forms
How relevance is actually used
Relevance is common in academic, legal, political, and analytical contexts, but it is fully standard in general English as well. It is usually neutral, while relevance to a current concern may carry the additional implication of practical importance or timeliness.
Easily confused with relevance
Relevance concerns whether something is connected or applicable to an issue, whereas reliability concerns whether something is dependable or consistent.
Relevance emphasizes connection or applicability to a particular subject, while significance emphasizes importance or meaning.