Reading Theme:
Relevance: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：connection (relevance)
relevance
/ˈreləvəns/
n.
The connection between two things; how one thing is related to another.
connection
➕
/kəˈnɛkʃən/
n.
Refers to the logical link or relationship between two or more subjects or ideas.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
Derived from 'relevant', from Old French 'relevant', and Latin 'relevare' (to lift up, alleviate).
💡 Mnemonic
Think: To be RELEVANT is to RE-LEVANT (lift again) the important point into view, establishing its RELEVANCE.
📖 Example
When writing your essay, always check the relevance of your examples to the main argument.
It is essential to verify that your examples are logically connected to your central thesis.
🔗 Collocations
lose relevance – to become no longer connected or applicable
bear relevance to – to have a clear connection with something
question the relevance – to doubt or challenge the connection
🔄 Synonyms
relation (n.) – the way in which two or more things are connected
pertinence (n.) – the quality of being logically connected to the matter at hand
applicability (n.) – the quality of being relevant or appropriate
🚫 Antonyms
irrelevance (n.) – lack of connection to the matter at hand
extraneousness (n.) – the state of being unrelated or irrelevant
🌱 Derivatives
relevant (adj.) – closely connected or appropriate to the matter at hand
irrelevance (n.) – the quality of being unrelated or unimportant
📖 Cultural Story
In modern discourse, 'relevance' is a crucial filter. Academics defend a paper's 'relevance'; businesses pivot for 'market relevance'. Its rise reflects an information-saturated culture where logical connection and practical importance are constantly evaluated and demanded.
Meaning 2：importance (relevance)
relevance
/ˈreləvəns/
n.
How important or useful something is in a particular situation.
importance
➕
/ɪmˈpɔːrtns/
n.
Refers to the practical significance, usefulness, or applicability of something in a specific context.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
In scientific research, the relevance of a study to real-world problems often determines its funding.
The practical importance of research in addressing actual issues frequently influences its financial support.
🔗 Collocations
practical relevance – usefulness and applicability in real situations
social relevance – importance or significance to society or social issues
contemporary relevance – present-day importance or applicability
🔄 Synonyms
significance (n.) – the quality of being important or noteworthy
importance (n.) – the state or fact of being of great consequence or value
pertinence (n.) – the quality of being relevant and applicable
🚫 Antonyms
insignificance (n.) – the quality of being unimportant or trivial
🌱 Derivatives
relevant (adj.) – closely connected or appropriate to the matter at hand
Wordbook
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