relevant
Americanadjective
adjective
-
having direct bearing on the matter in hand; pertinent
-
linguistics another word for distinctive
Pronunciation
See irrelevant.
Synonym Usage
See apt.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of relevant
First recorded in 1550–60; from Medieval Latin relevant-, stem of relevāns, special use of Latin present participle of relevāre “to raise, lift up”; see relieve ( def. ), -ant ( def. )
Explanation
Something is relevant if it's appropriate or connected to the matter at hand. Relevant things are helpful and on point. Relevant things are appropriate and make sense at that particular time. In the middle of history class, your teacher loves to get relevant questions: questions that have to do with the material. The teacher won't be thrilled to get a question about math: that's not relevant. You can also say a song or movie is relevant if it's connected to current events or issues people are talking about. When something is relevant, it just fits what is happening.
Vocabulary lists containing relevant
Essential Academic Vocabulary for High School Students, List 1
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List 1
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The Language of Standardized Tests, List 1
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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.
How relevant is the comparison of Locke with other schools?
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 16, 2026
Most of the relevant details, especially issues concerning the nuclear program, still need to be negotiated, the rates strategist said.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 16, 2026
German shipping firm Hapag-Lloyd told AFP in an email it was reevaluating its risk assessment for the strait and it was "in close contact with the relevant authorities".
From Barron's • Jun. 15, 2026
Another relevant statistic is the performance of a hypothetical portfolio that each year invests in the U.S. stock with the largest market cap as of the end of the previous year.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 15, 2026
“What is this? Not every postcard is relevant, Mavis.”
From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller
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.
