relevant

[rel-uh-vuhnt]

adjective

1. bearing upon or connected with the matter in hand; pertinent.

   a relevant remark.

   Synonyms: fitting, suitable, appropriate, apposite, germane, applicable

relevant

/ ˈrɛlɪvənt /

adjective

1. having direct bearing on the matter in hand; pertinent

2. linguistics another word for distinctive

Pronunciation Note

See irrelevant.

Other Word Forms

• relevance noun
• relevancy noun
• relevantly adverb
• nonrelevant adjective
• unrelevant adjective
• unrelevantly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of relevant¹

First recorded in 1550–60; from Medieval Latin relevant-, stem of relevāns, special use of Latin present participle of relevāre “to raise, lift up”; relieve ( def. ), -ant ( def. )

Word History and Origins

Origin of relevant¹

C16: from Medieval Latin relevans , from Latin relevāre to lighten, from _re- + levāre to raise, _relieve

Synonym Study

See apt.

Example Sentences

Your jewelry dilemma is also relevant for those who intend to buy gold coins, art or any other collectibles.

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Deutsche Bank rebutted the allegations in a statement, maintaining it applies “netting in accordance with the relevant accounting standards and generally aligned with common industry practice.”

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He said following the announcement of the group’s interest in Six Flags, there was a surge of consumer interest, a reaction that “reinforces our confidence that Six Flags is as exciting and relevant as ever.”

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As for the argument one sometimes hears that this is harsh on the drivers because it's not their fault, that's not relevant.

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It’s all relevant, and Last is a bright and witty guide through all of it.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• admissible 
• applicable 
• compatible 
• consistent 
• germane 
• important 
• pertinent 
• proper 
• related 
• significant 
• suitable 
• suited