Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Directly connected to and important for the current subject or situation: Information or evidence is "relevant" if it is logically related to the matter being discussed and helps to understand or resolve it.
   • Appropriate to the time, place, or circumstances: Something that is suitable and pertinent to the current context.

Usage

The word "relevant" is used to describe something that is closely connected to the topic at hand. It is often used to filter information, evidence, or arguments, distinguishing what is useful and applicable from what is not. It is commonly followed by the preposition "to."

Examples

• Adjective:
  • Please submit all relevant documents with your application.
  • Her experience in marketing is highly relevant to this job.
  • The judge ruled that the evidence was not relevant to the case.

Advanced Usage

• "Relevant to": This is the standard prepositional phrase used to specify the subject of connection.
  • The data is only relevant to our discussion if it's from the last quarter.
• "Make relevant": To demonstrate or establish the connection of something to a subject.
  • The speaker worked hard to make ancient history relevant to modern students.

Variants and Related Words

• Relevance (n): The quality of being closely connected or appropriate.
  • The relevance of his question was immediately clear.
• Irrelevant (adj): The direct opposite, meaning not connected with or relevant to something.
  • His comment was interesting but completely irrelevant to the meeting's agenda.

Synonyms

• Applicable: Capable of being applied; relevant.
• Pertinent: Relevant or applicable to a particular matter.
• Germane: Relevant to a subject under consideration.
• Apposite: Very appropriate or relevant.

Antonyms

• Irrelevant: Not connected with or relevant to something.
• Extraneous: Irrelevant or unrelated to the subject.
• Immaterial: Unimportant under the circumstances; irrelevant.

Idioms and Phrases

• Cut to the chase / Get to the relevant part: An informal idiom meaning to focus on the most important or relevant point.
  • We're short on time, so let's cut to the chase.
• Beside the point: An idiom meaning irrelevant to the matter being discussed.
  • Whether you like him or not is beside the point; we need to assess his qualifications.

Adjective

1. having a bearing on or connection with the subject at issue
   • the scientist corresponds with colleagues in order to learn about matters relevant to her own research