Relevant Meaning

UK /ˈrɛləvənt/
US /ˈrɛləvənt/
Word Definition
relevant meaning

Relevant Definition & Usage

adjective

Significant or important in relation to the subject or context.

Examples

  • "The points you raised are highly relevant to the discussion we're having."
  • "Your experience with this software is relevant to the job you're applying for."
  • "Can you find any relevant data to support your argument?"
  • "The laws mentioned in the book are still relevant today."
  • "I don't think these comments are relevant to the current conversation."
adjective

Applicable to the case or situation in a legal, formal, or technical context.

Examples

  • "The evidence presented was not relevant to the charges against him."
  • "The contract clause in question is relevant to the current dispute."
  • "Is this precedent relevant to our case?"
  • "The terms of the agreement remain relevant to all parties involved."
  • "Only relevant facts will be considered during the trial."
adjective

Useful or fitting for a specific purpose or person.

Examples

  • "This advice is especially relevant for new employees."
  • "His insights are relevant to students studying environmental science."
  • "I believe this book would be relevant to your research on ancient civilizations."
  • "Her comments are relevant to the ongoing project you're working on."
  • "The skills you learned in the workshop are highly relevant for this task."

Cultural Context

The word 'relevant' originates from the Latin word 'relevare', meaning 'to lift up, raise, or relieve', which in turn led to its meaning of something that 'relieves' a subject by being connected to it or offering value. It has been in use since the early 16th century.

The Relevance of a Single Word

Story

The Relevance of a Single Word

The morning sun streamed through the windows of the conference room, casting long shadows on the table. Six colleagues were seated around it, staring at a large screen where the latest marketing report was displayed. At the head of the table sat Maria, the team leader, whose sharp eyes had already scanned the document multiple times. A few sentences in the report caught her attention. 'This data is not relevant to our current campaign,' she said, her voice clear and firm. John, who was sitting to her right, looked puzzled. 'What do you mean? It's from last year's sales figures, so it must be relevant for our projections.' Maria smiled slightly. 'Not necessarily, John. The market trends have changed, and we need to focus on what directly impacts our new product launch.' She pointed to a graph on the screen showing the latest consumer behavior trends. 'See, this is what's relevant now. We need to plan based on current information, not old data.' John nodded, understanding. 'Right, the data from last year isn't applicable anymore.' Across the table, Nina, the newest team member, raised her hand. 'I think I understand. It's like when we have to decide what information is relevant when we're conducting research for an article. If it's not directly related to the topic, it doesn’t help.' Maria agreed. 'Exactly, Nina. Relevance isn’t just about having information; it’s about whether it adds value or insight to the situation at hand.' As the meeting continued, the team discussed which sources were relevant and which ones should be discarded. Maria could see that her team was beginning to understand the importance of focusing on what's truly pertinent to their objectives. By the end of the meeting, everyone had a clearer idea of how to approach their task, knowing that their decisions would be driven by relevant data and ideas. At the end of the day, Nina reflected on the meeting. She had learned something important that went beyond the professional world: relevance isn't just about facts and figures; it's about understanding what's truly important in any situation, whether in work or life.

The Relevance of a Single Word