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.
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
Even if its reserve status continues to diminish, that is hardly the only factor behind the dollar’s relevance on the international stage.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 6, 2026
"This beacon of science is more ambitious than ever, with exciting plans already under way that will ensure the UK's relevance and leadership in the rapidly evolving domain of space exploration and utilisation," it said.
From BBC ● Aug. 3, 2026
Spiegel said audience growth in the U.S. was driven by people aged 35 and older, increasing relevance in categories such as automotive, healthcare and financial services.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 3, 2026
Whenever Kayode returned from a London vacation, flush with relevance, Emenike would ask him about the latest music and films, and then examine his shoes and clothes.
From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
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.
