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.
In a statement posted on social media, the Afyonkarahisar Governorate said "all relevant institutions of our state have been working in coordination since the very first moment and are meticulously carrying out the necessary work".
From BBC ● Nov. 5, 2026
“Our ambition is… to continue to push creative boundaries, further establishing the house as a powerful and relevant voice,” De Meo said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 5, 2026
We get older, we age, we become less relevant in that sort of public figure capacity, or at least in a youth and beauty fame.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 4, 2026
Those items underscore the importance of local election results, and will “remain relevant after election day, regardless of which party gains seats” in Congress, Lerner wrote.
From MarketWatch ● Nov. 3, 2026
Excited, Beowulf looked for the relevant page in his book.
From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood
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Get a wordDefinitions 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.
