pertinence

American  

[pur-tn-uhns] / ˈpɜr tn əns /

Sometimes pertinency

noun

1. the fact or quality of being directly and significantly related to the matter at hand; relevance.

   The sheer quantity of health information on the Internet makes it challenging for users to judge the pertinence, credibility, and applicability of what is retrieved.

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Other Word Forms

• nonpertinence noun
• nonpertinency noun

Etymology

Origin of pertinence

First recorded in 1350–1400, for an earlier sense; pertin(ent) ( def. ) + -ence ( def. )

Example Sentences

Sometimes that’s because the individual work is bland, while elsewhere its pertinence to the shambling theme is stretched to the breaking point.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 9, 2025

The Reds' failed bid four years ago will be of most pertinence to the Gunners, given it was Manchester City, Arsenal's closest title rivals, who overhauled them.

From BBC • Jan. 31, 2023

No one is questioning the legality or pertinence of allowing divergent viewpoints.

From Washington Times • Dec. 15, 2022

One had to peruse The Post to read an article with “universal” pertinence and appeal.

From Washington Post • Oct. 23, 2020

They were about the same in other towns, but the Salinas Row has a pertinence to this telling.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck