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
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.
"Those lost were small glaciers, but they were still relevant in peripheral regions of the Alps," the glaciologist said.
From Barron's • Jun. 27, 2026
What was said before Haiti and Morocco is still relevant now - Scotland's big-name players need to step it up.
From BBC • Jun. 24, 2026
Can you imagine the reaction in the relevant, tribal sections of the media?
From MarketWatch • Jun. 23, 2026
The company is also cooperating with relevant agencies, it said in a statement.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 23, 2026
Not that any of it was particularly relevant here.
From "Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures" by Kate DiCamillo
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.
