relevance
Americannoun
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."
Vocabulary lists containing relevance
Academic Vocabulary Toolkit 1, Words 81-90
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100 SAT words Beginning with "R"
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The Bluest Eye
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The company accused Wilson of being motivated by personal grievances, adding that he was merely trying to retain relevance at the company.
From MarketWatch • May 18, 2026
“Not knowing the Cannes Film Festival is almost impossible,” he adds of the event’s global relevance.
From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026
Rather than relying mainly on military influence, she believes that France is increasingly using business, investment and soft power to maintain its relevance on the continent.
From BBC • May 12, 2026
“We have been stressing the increasing relevance of equity markets for dollar crosses, and this remains crucial,” he added.
From Barron's • May 7, 2026
Two books published since then have increased our understanding of that chaotic period of New Zealand history, placed it in a broader historical context, and made its relevance to GGS even clearer.
From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
