relevant

[rel-uh-vuhnt]

adjective

1. bearing upon or connected with the matter in hand; pertinent.

   a relevant remark.

   Synonyms: fitting, suitable, appropriate, apposite, germane, applicable

relevant

/ ˈrɛlɪvənt /

adjective

1. having direct bearing on the matter in hand; pertinent

2. linguistics another word for distinctive

Pronunciation Note

See irrelevant.

Other Word Forms

• relevance noun
• relevantly adverb
• relevancy noun
• nonrelevant adjective
• unrelevant adjective
• unrelevantly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of relevant¹

First recorded in 1550–60; from Medieval Latin relevant-, stem of relevāns, special use of Latin present participle of relevāre “to raise, lift up”; relieve ( def. ), -ant ( def. )

Word History and Origins

Origin of relevant¹

C16: from Medieval Latin relevans , from Latin relevāre to lighten, from _re- + levāre to raise, _relieve

Synonym Study

See apt.

Example Sentences

"In today's market, standing still is falling behind. You have to continuously evolve if you want to stay relevant to your customers."

From BBC

"Bus operators are responsible for the pay and conditions of their staff, and the specifics of any talks is a matter for them and the relevant trade union," it said.

From BBC

With Ms Rayner's full cooperation and assistance, I have reviewed relevant documentation from the property transaction.

From BBC

The relevant health boards have been asked to confirm.

From BBC

It's not in dispute that the defendant sent the relevant social media posts between 11 October and 27 October, and it's not in dispute that the defendant seized and threw the phone of the complainant.

From BBC

Related Words

• admissible 
• applicable 
• compatible 
• consistent 
• germane 
• important 
• pertinent 
• proper 
• related 
• significant 
• suitable 
• suited