relevance

American  

[rel-uh-vuhns] / ˈrɛl ə vəns /

Often relevancy

noun

1. the condition of being relevant, or connected with the matter at hand.

   Some traditional institutions of the media lack relevance in this digital age.

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Etymology

Origin of relevance

First recorded in 1620–30, for an earlier sense; relev(ant) ( def. ) + -ance ( def. )

Explanation

To know the relevance of something is to know why it matters or how it is important. I don't understand the relevance of this discussion: it doesn't seem important to me. If you don't understand the relevance of the word "relevant" to the discussion of the meaning of the word relevance, we're gonna have some trouble. When something is "relevant," it matters. Its relevance is clear. Relevance is simply the noun form of the adjective "relevant," which means "important to the matter at hand." Artists and politicians are always worried about their relevance. If they are no longer relevant, they may not keep their job. Someone without relevance might be called "irrelevant."

Example Sentences

Fitch Ratings pointed to its system of "ESG Relevance Scores" as including factors such as exposure to environment impacts as one component in its assessments.

From Reuters • Aug. 6, 2023

Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP, doesn’t need to show ID to enter Club Relevance.

From Washington Post • Jul. 6, 2021

“Striking vipers” ratings Relevance: “Striking Vipers” keeps the action pretty narrow.

From The Verge • Jun. 7, 2019

Opera presented at the redcat space, underneath Disney Hall, is the undoubted winner of this year’s award for Acutely Uncomfortable Relevance.

From The New Yorker • Dec. 4, 2016

Relevance to the problem at hand will justify one approach or another.

From The Civilization of Illiteracy by Nadin, Mihai

Related Words

• applicability
• importance
• purpose