1
Core quality
Directly connected to or useful for the matter being considered.
Example
Only evidence relevant to the central claim was included.
relevant
/ˈreləvənt/ · REL-uh-vuntadjective
Directly connected to or useful for the matter being considered.
Use relevant to express this relationship precisely: directly connected to or useful for the matter being considered.
What relevant Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Attributive or predicative use
Use this adjective before a suitable noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem.
Example
The detail is accurate but not relevant to the dispute.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact descriptive quality matters; a related word may overlap without conveying the same trait.
Example
Experience in similar climates is directly relevant here.
Use relevant Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
Only evidence relevant to the central claim was included.
The detail is accurate but not relevant to the dispute.
Experience in similar climates is directly relevant here.
Precision Matters
Relevant overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
relevant
vs.Means directly connected to or useful for the matter being considered.
salient
Means most noticeable, prominent, or important to the matter at hand.
relevant
vs.Means directly connected to or useful for the matter being considered.
speak to
Means address, bear on, or provide relevant evidence about a question or issue.
relevant
vs.Means directly connected to or useful for the matter being considered.
in relation to
Means with reference to, in connection with, or when considered against something.
relevant
vs.Means directly connected to or useful for the matter being considered.
peripheral
Means situated at the edge or secondary to the main issue.
Test relevant in Context
The anecdote does not bear directly on the matter under discussion.
1
The reviewer omitted the anecdote because it was not ___ to the article's argument.