C1noun 2K

Relevance

UK /["/ˈreləvəns/","/ˈreləvənsi/"]/ US /["/ˈreləvəns/","/ˈreləvənsi/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

a close connection with the subject you are discussing or the situation you are in

Listen to definition

In simple words: How important something is to a topic.

Examples

• I don't see the relevance of your question.
• What he said has no direct relevance to the matter in hand.
• a classic play of contemporary relevance

Usage notes

Used in academic, professional, and everyday contexts. Avoid in very casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'relevance' like a 'relay'—it's about passing important information.

Collocations

• relevance to
• question of relevance
• lack of relevance

Synonyms

• importance
• significance
• pertinence
• applicability

Antonyms

• irrelevance
• insignificance
• unimportance

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'relevant' (adjective) when talking about importance.
• Used incorrectly as a verb.
• Overgeneralized to all topics when it may only apply to specific contexts.