relevant

[ rel-uh-vuhnt ]

adjective

1. bearing upon or connected with the matter in hand; pertinent:

   a relevant remark.

   Synonyms: fitting, suitable, appropriate, apposite, germane, applicable

relevant

/ ˈrɛlɪvənt /

adjective

1. having direct bearing on the matter in hand; pertinent
2. linguistics another word for distinctive

Pronunciation Note

See irrelevant.

Derived Forms

• ˈrelevance, noun
• ˈrelevantly, adverb

Other Words From

• rele·vance rele·van·cy noun
• rele·vant·ly adverb
• non·rele·vant adjective
• un·rele·vant adjective
• un·rele·vant·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of relevant¹

First recorded in 1550–60; from Medieval Latin relevant-, stem of relevāns, special use of Latin present participle of relevāre “to raise, lift up”; relieve ( def ), -ant ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of relevant¹

C16: from Medieval Latin relevans , from Latin relevāre to lighten, from re- + levāre to raise, relieve

Synonym Study

See apt.

Example Sentences

A timely nine-episode adaptation developed by FX arrives Thursday on Hulu and raises questions about how a bitterly divided country can move on from the past, something that will feel relevant to many American viewers now.

From Los Angeles Times

Lastly, as far as winning over younger voters, including men, it may be germane to note—and if it weren’t relevant to electoral concerns I wouldn’t bring it up, because of my feminism and my respect—that many people consider Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez attractive.

From Slate

"This decision has been made based on guidance from the relevant authorities to ensure the health and safety of all participants and attendees," said the International Tennis Federation, which organises the event.

From BBC

“We ask the public to respect the presumption of innocence and to refrain from speculation as we work to gather all relevant facts.”

From Los Angeles Times

The Veterinary Council of Thailand, which warned of the dangers of sedating animals, said it would take relevant action on the case.

From BBC

Related Words

• admissible
• applicable
• compatible
• consistent
• germane
• important
• pertinent
• proper
• related
• significant
• suitable
• suited