relevance

Often rel·e·van·cy

[rel-uh-vuhns]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of relevance¹

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

Example Sentences

"Each submission is evaluated on its merits, and decisions regarding subsequent action are made in accordance with investigative standards and the relevance of the information to the established facts."

From BBC

We needed to know about the backgrounds and relevance to the story of potential interviewees and where filming would be an acceptable risk to take in a warzone where nowhere is safe.

From BBC

The pressing relevance of the artist’s work for our present fraught era is irrefutable — not least when the dizzying transformation from analog to digital culture is harnessed to productive ends.

From Los Angeles Times

What Fellowes has done so well with “Downton” is offer an escape to the past, while using the period setting to comment on issues of contemporary relevance.

From Los Angeles Times

Over the years, the apartment’s owners and the West Hollywood City Council have debated its relevance as a historic landmark that needs preservation.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• applicability 
• importance 
• purpose