Reading Theme:
Relevant: Meaning, Usage, and Common Mistakes (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：directly connected (relevant)
relevant
/ˈrɛl.ə.vənt/
adj.
Directly connected to the topic or situation you are dealing with.
directly connected
➕
/dɪˈrɛkt.li kəˈnɛk.tɪd/
adj.
Describes something that has a clear and direct link to the subject or matter being considered.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'relevare' (to raise up), from 're-' (again) + 'levare' (to lift). Evolved to mean 'pertinent'.
💡 Mnemonic
Relevant = 'Re' (again) + 'levant' (lift up). Lift up only the important points again and again.
📖 Example
When writing your essay, only include information that is relevant to your main argument.
When composing your essay, only incorporate details that are directly connected to your central claim.
🔗 Collocations
directly relevant to – having an immediate and obvious connection with
relevant information – details that pertain directly to the subject
relevant experience – past work or skills that apply to the current position
🔄 Synonyms
pertinent (adj.) – directly related to the matter at hand
applicable (adj.) – capable of being applied to a particular situation
germane (adj.) – closely connected to the subject; relevant
🚫 Antonyms
irrelevant (adj.) – not connected to the matter under consideration
unrelated (adj.) – having no connection or relation
extraneous (adj.) – irrelevant or unrelated to the subject
🌱 Derivatives
relevance (n.) – the state of being closely connected or appropriate
relevantly (adv.) – in a way that is directly connected or appropriate
irrelevant (adj.) – not connected or appropriate to the matter
📖 Cultural Story
In modern corporate and academic settings, 'relevant' is frequently used to filter information—e.g., 'relevant experience' on resumes or 'relevant data' in research.
Meaning 2：useful for a purpose (relevant)
relevant
/ˈrɛl.ə.vənt/
adj.
Useful and providing help for what you are doing or trying to achieve now.
useful for a purpose
➕
/ˈjuːs.fəl fɔːr ə ˈpɜːr.pəs/
adj.
Describes something that provides practical value or help for a current activity or goal.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Her previous experience in app design is extremely relevant to our new software project.
Her past work in mobile application development is highly useful for our current software initiative.
🔗 Collocations
highly relevant – extremely useful or applicable to the current task
remain relevant – continue to be useful or significant
relevant skills – abilities that directly help in performing a job or activity
🔄 Synonyms
useful (adj.) – able to be used for a practical purpose
practical (adj.) – likely to be effective in real circumstances
appropriate (adj.) – suitable or proper in the circumstances
🚫 Antonyms
useless (adj.) – serving no practical purpose
inapplicable (adj.) – not relevant or appropriate
unsuitable (adj.) – not fitting or appropriate for a given purpose
🌱 Derivatives
relevance (n.) – the quality of being useful or applicable
irrelevant (adj.) – not useful or applicable
relevantly (adv.) – in a way that provides practical value
Wordbook
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