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. )

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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

See Examples For:

relevance

When first envisioning “Pan’s Labyrinth,” Del Toro found himself grappling with existential concerns related to the meaning and relevance of what each person leaves behind when they are gone.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 9, 2026

Lower prices have been working, he said, adding that new products and refreshed styles and displays — part of Target’s plans to revive sales — are the right formula to regain relevance.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 29, 2026

The challenge for historians is not to make a case for the Middle East’s relevance but to overcome headline fatigue.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 25, 2026

This edition also touches on ideas around the impact of big corporations on small communities, which brought added relevance to the setting of an isolated seaside town.

From BBC ● Sep. 25, 2026

And when they go through my belongings, they’ll probably toss it away thinking a freshman crush has no relevance.

From "Thirteen Reasons Why" by Jay Asher

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Related Words

• applicability
• importance
• purpose

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