Appropriate vs. Relevant — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 2, 2024
Appropriate refers to suitability for a specific context or purpose, emphasizing propriety and correctness, while relevant pertains to the significance or connection of something to the matter at hand.
Difference Between Appropriate and Relevant
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Appropriate is often used to describe something suitable or fitting within a particular context, such as behavior or attire, based on social norms or standards. Whereas, relevance relates to how pertinent or connected something is to the current topic, issue, or situation, without necessarily considering social norms.
When assessing if something is appropriate, one considers the decorum, manners, or propriety in relation to the setting or circumstances. On the other hand, determining relevance involves evaluating the importance or applicability of information, ideas, or items to a specific subject or context.
Appropriate actions or choices are governed by the expectations or rules of a given environment, aiming to ensure respectfulness and correctness. Meanwhile, relevance focuses on the meaningfulness and significance of contributions to a specific goal, task, or discussion, without implying any moral or ethical judgments.
In terms of decision-making, appropriateness is critical when one aims to align with cultural, organizational, or social expectations. In contrast, relevance is key in making decisions that effectively address or contribute to the matter being considered, regardless of societal expectations.
The concept of appropriateness often entails a subjective judgment based on established norms and values, implying a level of social conformity. Relevance, however, is more objective, based on logical or practical connections to the matter at hand, and is less influenced by social conventions.
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Comparison Chart
Aspect
Appropriate
Relevant
Definition
Suitable or fitting for a particular purpose or context.
Directly connected to or concerning the matter at hand.
Focus
Social norms, correctness, and propriety.
Significance, applicability, and connection to a topic.
Governing Factors
Cultural, organizational, or social expectations.
Logical or practical relevance to the subject.
Implication
Implies a level of social conformity.
Focuses on meaningful contribution or connection.
Decision-making Criteria
Alignment with expected norms or standards.
Effectiveness in addressing or contributing to a topic.
Compare with Definitions
Appropriate
Suitable for a specific context or occasion.
Wearing formal attire to a wedding is considered appropriate.
Relevant
Bearing upon or connected with the subject.
The evidence was relevant to solving the case.
Appropriate
Reflecting or exhibiting correct behavior.
His response was appropriate for the situation.
Relevant
Closely connected or appropriate to the matter at hand.
Her comments were highly relevant to the ongoing discussion.
Appropriate
Considerate or respectful; fitting.
An appropriate joke at the start of a speech can engage the audience.
Relevant
Pertaining to the subject being considered.
Only relevant information should be included in the report.
Appropriate
Meeting the required standards; proper.
It's appropriate to say thank you when someone helps you.
Relevant
Applicable or pertinent to a particular issue.
The laws are relevant to current privacy concerns.
Appropriate
Allocated or assigned for a particular purpose.
The funds were appropriated for educational development.
Relevant
Having significant and demonstrable bearing on the matter.
His expertise in cybersecurity is relevant to the job.
Appropriate
Suitable for a particular person, condition, occasion, or place; fitting.
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
Appropriate
To set apart for a specific use
Appropriating funds for education.
Relevant
Having a bearing on or connection with the matter at hand.
Appropriate
To take possession of or make use of exclusively for oneself, often without permission
My coworker appropriated my unread newspaper.
Relevant
Meaningful or purposeful in current society or culture
Thought that the traditional male role of breadwinner was no longer relevant.
Appropriate
Suitable or fit; proper.
The headmaster wondered what an appropriate measure would be to make the pupil behave better.
Relevant
Related, connected, or pertinent to a topic.
Appropriate
Suitable to the social situation or to social respect or social discreetness; socially correct; socially discreet; well-mannered; proper.
I don't think it was appropriate for the cashier to tell me out loud in front of all those people at the check-out that my hair-piece looked like it was falling out of place.
While it is not considered appropriate for a professor to date his student, there is no such concern once the semester has ended.
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.
Appropriate
(obsolete) Set apart for a particular use or person; reserved.
Relevant
Not out of date; current.
Appropriate
(transitive) To take to oneself; to claim or use, especially as by an exclusive right.
Let no man appropriate the use of a common benefit.
Relevant
Relieving; lending aid or support.
Appropriate
(transitive) To set apart for, or assign to, a particular person or use, especially in exclusion of all others; with to or for.
A spot of ground is appropriated for a garden.
To appropriate money for the increase of the navy
Relevant
Bearing upon, or properly applying to, the case in hand; pertinent; applicable.
Close and relevant arguments have very little hold on the passions.
Appropriate
To annex (for example a benefice, to a spiritual corporation, as its property).
Relevant
Sufficient to support the cause.
Appropriate
To make suitable to; to suit.
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
Appropriate
Set apart for a particular use or person. Hence: Belonging peculiarly; peculiar; suitable; fit; proper.
In its strict and appropriate meaning.
Appropriate acts of divine worship.
It is not at all times easy to find words appropriate to express our ideas.
Relevant
Having crucial relevance;
Crucial to the case
Relevant testimony
Appropriate
To take to one's self in exclusion of others; to claim or use as by an exclusive right; as, let no man appropriate the use of a common benefit.
Appropriate
To set apart for, or assign to, a particular person or use, in exclusion of all others; - with to or for; as, a spot of ground is appropriated for a garden; to appropriate money for the increase of the navy.
Appropriate
To make suitable; to suit.
Appropriate
To annex, as a benefice, to a spiritual corporation, as its property.
Appropriate
A property; attribute.
Appropriate
Give or assign a share of money or time to a particular person or cause;
I will earmark this money for your research
Appropriate
Take possession of by force, as after an invasion;
The invaders seized the land and property of the inhabitants
The army seized the town
The militia captured the castle
Appropriate
Suitable for a particular person or place or condition etc;
A book not appropriate for children
A funeral conducted the appropriate solemnity
It seems that an apology is appropriate
Appropriate
Appropriate for achieving a particular end; implies a lack of concern for fairness
Appropriate
Meant or adapted for an occasion or use;
A tractor suitable (or fit) for heavy duty
Not an appropriate (or fit) time for flippancy
Appropriate
Suitable and fitting;
The tailored clothes were harmonious with her military bearing
Appropriate
Being of striking appropriateness and pertinence;
The successful copywriter is a master of apposite and evocative verbal images
An apt reply
Common Curiosities
How is relevance determined?
Relevance is determined by how directly something pertains to or affects the matter at hand, based on its significance or applicability.
Can something be relevant but not appropriate?
Yes, information or behavior can be relevant (pertinent to the topic) but not appropriate (not fitting the social or contextual norms).
What role does context play in determining appropriateness and relevance?
Context is crucial in determining both appropriateness (fittingness based on norms) and relevance (connection to the subject matter).
What makes something appropriate?
Something is considered appropriate if it conforms to the specific standards, rules, or expectations of a particular context or society.
Can the relevance of information change over time?
Yes, as the context or the matter at hand evolves, the relevance of information can increase or decrease.
How do individuals determine what is appropriate in unfamiliar situations?
Individuals often rely on observation, cultural knowledge, or seeking advice from those more familiar with the situation.
Is appropriateness subjective?
Yes, what is deemed appropriate can vary widely depending on cultural, social, or personal standards and values.
What happens when appropriateness and relevance conflict?
When they conflict, it often requires a careful balancing act to respect social norms while also addressing the matter effectively.
In what ways can relevance be enhanced?
Relevance can be enhanced by ensuring information or actions are directly connected to and effectively address the current matter or discussion.
Is it possible for something to be appropriate for one situation but not another?
Yes, appropriateness is highly situational, with what is fitting in one context possibly being unsuitable in another.
How does relevance affect decision-making?
Relevance guides decision-making by focusing attention on information and actions that directly impact or contribute to the matter being considered.
Why is it important to consider both appropriateness and relevance?
Considering both ensures that actions or information are not only fitting and respectful but also significant and useful for the situation.
How do social norms influence appropriateness?
Social norms dictate what is considered suitable behavior, attire, or action in a given context, shaping the concept of appropriateness.
Can relevance be quantified?
While challenging, relevance can be assessed based on the degree to which information or actions contribute to understanding or resolving an issue.
Do cultural differences impact what is considered appropriate?
Yes, cultural norms and values significantly influence what is deemed appropriate in various contexts.
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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.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
