relevant

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   having a bearing on or connection with the subject at issue

   The scientist corresponds with colleagues in order to learn about matters relevant to their own research.

2. 2
   adj

   Not out of date; current.

   The message of Christmas is still relevant as we near the end of a troubled year and the beginning of an uncertain but challenging new year.

3. 3
   adj

   Related, connected, or pertinent to a topic.

4. 4
   adj

   Famous, popular, or noteworthy in a contemporary context.

Etymology

From Scots relevant meaning "legally pertinent," used in Scottish legal circles starting in the early 1500s, and first used in English in the 1700s. Borrowed from Latin relevāns, relevāntem, present active participle of relevō (“lift up again, lighten, relieve”), from re- (“again”) + levō (“lift”).