Applicable vs. Relevant — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 30, 2024
Applicable refers to something that can be applied or used in a particular situation, while relevant means something is closely connected or appropriate to the matter at hand.
Difference Between Applicable and Relevant
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Applicable implies a capability or possibility for something to be applied or used in a specific context or situation, indicating suitability or appropriateness for a particular purpose. On the other hand, relevant goes a step further by emphasizing the significance or importance of something in relation to the matter at hand, suggesting that it has a direct bearing or connection to the issue or topic being discussed.
While applicable denotes a broader suitability for a range of situations or contexts without necessarily implying importance or direct connection, relevant underscores the meaningful and direct association with the subject matter, focusing on the importance of the connection. Whereas applicable items might be suitable for use, relevant items are not only suitable but also crucial for understanding, resolving, or addressing the matter at hand.
Applicable laws or rules are those that can be applied to a situation, regardless of their direct impact or importance, while relevant laws or rules are those that have a direct and significant connection to the case or issue being considered. On the other hand, something relevant not only fits the situation but also plays a significant role in the outcome or understanding of that situation.
In the context of information or data, something applicable might be broadly related to a topic and could potentially be used for analysis or decision-making. However, relevant information or data is specifically pertinent to the question or problem at hand, providing direct insight or evidence that is crucial for a thorough understanding or resolution.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Suitable for use or application
Directly connected to the matter at hand
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Context
Broader suitability
Direct and meaningful connection
Importance
May not imply importance
Implies importance and impact
Connection
General applicability without direct impact
Direct and significant association
Usage Example
Applicable laws in a legal case
Relevant evidence in a legal case
Compare with Definitions
Applicable
Able to be applied.
The applicable guidelines suggest a starting point, but discretion is advised.
Relevant
Directly related to the subject at hand.
Only bring up information that is relevant to the current discussion.
Applicable
Capable of being put to use.
The software features are only beneficial if applicable to your needs.
Relevant
Appropriate to the current time, period, or circumstances.
Ensure that your references are both current and relevant.
Applicable
Suitable for the circumstance.
Not all tips are universally applicable to every situation.
Relevant
Having significant and demonstrable bearing on the matter.
Her experience is particularly relevant to this case.
Applicable
Relevant in a broad sense.
These rules are applicable to most scenarios encountered by the team.
Relevant
Pertinent and connected directly.
The presented evidence was highly relevant to proving the theory.
Applicable
Having potential relevance.
The theory is interesting but not directly applicable to our research.
Relevant
Of considerable importance.
The scientist made a relevant discovery that changed the field.
Applicable
Capable of being applied; relevant or appropriate
A rule not applicable in all cases.
Added the applicable sales tax.
Relevant
Closely connected or appropriate to what is being done or considered
The candidate's experience is relevant to the job
What small companies need is relevant advice
Applicable
Suitable for application, relevant
This rule is not applicable to the longer-standing members of the club.
Relevant
Having a bearing on or connection with the matter at hand.
Applicable
Capable of being applied; fit or suitable to be applied; having relevance; as, this observation is applicable to the case under consideration.
Relevant
Meaningful or purposeful in current society or culture
Thought that the traditional male role of breadwinner was no longer relevant.
Applicable
Capable of being applied; having relevance;
Gave applicable examples to support her argument
Relevant
Related, connected, or pertinent to a topic.
Applicable
Readily applicable or practical
Relevant
(Usually and especially) Directly related, connected, or pertinent, with important ramifications or implications.
His mother provided some relevant background information concerning his medical condition.
Relevant
Not out of date; current.
Relevant
Relieving; lending aid or support.
Relevant
Bearing upon, or properly applying to, the case in hand; pertinent; applicable.
Close and relevant arguments have very little hold on the passions.
Relevant
Sufficient to support the cause.
Relevant
Having a bearing on or connection with the subject at issue;
The scientist corresponds with colleagues in order to learn about matters relevant to her own research
Relevant
Having crucial relevance;
Crucial to the case
Relevant testimony
Common Curiosities
Can something be applicable but not relevant?
Yes, something can be applicable (or suitable for use) in a situation without being relevant (directly significant or connected) to the specific matter being considered.
What does applicable mean?
Applicable refers to something that can be applied or is suitable for a particular situation or use.
How do I determine if something is relevant or just applicable?
Evaluate whether it has a direct and significant connection or importance to the specific issue or topic. If it does, it's relevant; if it merely can be used or applied, it's applicable.
Can the relevance of something change over time?
Yes, as the context or specifics of a situation evolve, what is considered relevant can change based on new information, goals, or circumstances.
What does relevant mean?
Relevant means something is closely connected, appropriate, or of significant importance to the matter at hand.
Can laws be applicable but not relevant to a case?
Yes, laws can be broadly applicable to many situations without being directly relevant to the specific facts or issues of a particular case.
Why is relevance important?
Relevance is crucial because it ensures that discussions, decisions, and analyses are focused on information that directly impacts or contributes to the matter at hand, leading to more effective outcomes.
How does the relevance of information affect research?
The relevance of information directly impacts the validity and effectiveness of research by ensuring that the data and sources used are directly connected to and have a significant impact on the study's objectives.
What is the difference between being relevant to and relevant for?
"Relevant to" often refers to a direct connection or significance to a topic or issue, while "relevant for" might imply usefulness or appropriateness for achieving a specific purpose or outcome.
Does the digital age affect the concept of relevance?
Yes, the digital age has amplified the availability of information, making the ability to discern what is truly relevant more critical than ever to avoid information overload.
Is applicable the same as appropriate?
While similar, "appropriate" often connotes a fit or suitability in terms of propriety or manners, whereas "applicable" focuses on the practical ability to apply or use in a specific context.
In what contexts is determining relevance over applicability critical?
In academic research, legal analysis, strategic planning, and any decision-making process, emphasizing relevance over mere applicability ensures focused and effective outcomes.
How can something become more relevant?
By demonstrating a clearer, more direct connection to the core issues, objectives, or questions at hand, something can become more relevant as its importance or impact becomes more evident.
What role does context play in determining applicability and relevance?
Context is crucial; it shapes the framework within which the applicability and relevance of information, rules, or actions are judged, highlighting the importance of situational specifics.
Can the same information be relevant in one scenario and merely applicable in another?
Yes, depending on the goals, issues, and specifics of a scenario, information may shift between being highly relevant to merely applicable, underscoring the fluid nature of these concepts.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
