relevant
relevant — adjective
1. directly connected to the subject people are talking about or the situation some
directly connected to the subject people are talking about or the situation someone is dealing with — for example, a fact that helps answer a question in a discussion, or a piece of information that matters for a decision you need to make
Lan borrowed relevant documents from the library for her research on climate change.
collect + relevant + noun: gathering information for a task
The judge decided that the witness's story was not relevant to the case.
be relevant to: used in legal/court context
Ziad found several relevant articles in the online journal for his history essay.
Adina raised her hand and asked a highly relevant question during the staff meeting.
The police set aside irrelevant details and focused only on the relevant evidence.
- pertinent
more formal than 'relevant'; used when something fits the point exactly, especially in official or legal writing
- applicable
focuses on whether something can be successfully used or applied in a particular situation, not just whether it is connected
- germane
very formal; almost always used with 'to' and suggests a logical, fitting connection to the matter at hand
- material
formal and often legal; describes information important enough to influence a decision or outcome
- irrelevant
the direct opposite; not at all connected to the topic at hand
- unrelated
broader than 'irrelevant'; simply not connected, without the judgment that connection would matter
文法句型
be relevant to [something]
relevant + noun
it is relevant to [do something / that…]
用法筆記
Commonly used in academic, professional, and legal contexts to describe information, evidence, or questions that bear directly on the matter being discussed. Often contrasted with 'irrelevant' to show what matters and what does not.
常見錯誤
2. appropriate for a specific need, goal, or situation — for example, a course that
appropriate for a specific need, goal, or situation — for example, a course that prepares you for a job you want, or advice that addresses exactly what someone needs to hear
Hoa took a training course highly relevant to her new role at the hospital.
be relevant to: connecting training/education to a specific role
The local school updated its curriculum to make it more relevant to students' career goals.
Olivia's years of experience in digital marketing are directly relevant to this position.
Constanza prepared a list of skills that are relevant to the success of the project.
Justin chose a degree in environmental science because it felt relevant to his values.
- suitable
more general than 'relevant'; means acceptable or right for a purpose, without the strong sense of direct connection
- appropriate
suggests something fits the situation in terms of correctness or propriety, not necessarily practical connection
- applicable
can be put to use in a given situation; overlaps with both senses of 'relevant'
- unsuitable
not right for a particular purpose; broader than the opposite of 'relevant'
- inappropriate
not proper or fitting for the context; often carries a judgment about social correctness
文法句型
be relevant to [purpose/need/goal]
relevant + noun (for a purpose)
[noun] is relevant + to-infinitive
用法筆記
Frequently followed by the preposition 'to' to indicate the purpose, role, or goal that something is suited for. Subject is often a qualification, skill, course, experience, or piece of advice. This sense overlaps with 'suitable' but adds the nuance of a direct, practical connection to a stated aim.