relevance

/ˈreləvəns/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈreləvəns/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈre-lə-vən(t)s/ (ame, mw)

relevance — noun

1. a measure of how directly something connects to the subject people are discussin

1.名詞B2
釋義

a measure of how directly something connects to the subject people are discussing or dealing with

例句

Emre questioned the relevance of the old data to the current research project.

relevance of [something] to [something]

The relevance of her argument became clear when the committee reviewed all the evidence.

同義詞
  • connection

    more general; 'relevance' adds the idea of importance or usefulness to the topic

  • pertinence

    more formal; focuses on appropriateness to the subject rather than general connection

  • applicability

    emphasises practical fit, often used in academic or professional contexts

反義詞
  • irrelevance

    the direct opposite; when something has no bearing on the matter

文法句型

the relevance of [something] to [something]

[something] has/have relevance to [something]

用法筆記

Commonly followed by the preposition 'to' to specify what something is connected to. The opposite form is 'irrelevance'.

常見錯誤

❌The relevance of the document on the case was clear.
✅The relevance of the document to the case was clear.
💡'relevance' takes 'to', not 'on', when specifying what something connects to.
❌This information has no relevancy to our discussion.
✅This information has no relevance to our discussion.
💡'relevance' is the standard form; 'relevancy' exists but is far less common and may sound awkward.

2. the quality of being meaningful or helpful in people's everyday lives and real-w

2.名詞B2
釋義

the quality of being meaningful or helpful in people's everyday lives and real-world situations

例句

Felipe wondered whether his philosophy degree would have any relevance in the job market.

have any relevance in [context]

Good teachers help students see the everyday relevance of science through simple experiments.

everyday relevance of [subject]

同義詞
  • usefulness

    more straightforward; 'relevance' adds the idea that something fits the situation or time

  • value

    broader; can refer to monetary or moral worth, whereas 'relevance' is about meaningfulness in context

  • significance

    can overlap, but 'significance' often implies greater weight or importance

反義詞

文法句型

[something] has/have [adjective] relevance

[adjective] relevance of [something]

用法筆記

This sense is often modified by adjectives like 'practical', 'personal', 'social', or 'lasting' to specify the type of value. Distinguish from sense 1 (CONNECTION TO TOPIC), which focuses on relation to a subject rather than real-world usefulness.

常見錯誤

❌This training has relevance with my job.
✅This training has relevance to my job.
💡Although this sense emphasises practical value, the preposition 'to' (not 'with') is still used.