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
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
“Partnering too closely with a more niche retailer like GameStop could limit the perceived breadth of eBay’s marketplace or create friction with sellers and customers who don’t see much relevance in the partnership.”
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 10, 2026
A new partnership between the operators of the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes has left the Preakness fighting for relevance.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 9, 2026
To explore whether the strategy might eventually have relevance for people, the researchers tested it in human brain models.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 7, 2026
The engineer and education specialist says exams currently have little relevance to the job market.
From BBC ● Aug. 5, 2026
“Your Honor, this testimony has no relevance to the charges of murder for which this court is convened, and I move that it be disallowed from jury and the trial records.”
From "Mississippi Trial, 1955" by Chris Crowe
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.
