Pertinent vs. Relevant — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 13, 2024
Pertinent emphasizes direct relevance to a specific matter, while relevant indicates a broader connection to the subject at hand.
Difference Between Pertinent and Relevant
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Pertinent is used to describe something that is directly related to and bears upon the matter at hand. It implies a clear, often essential, connection to the issue or subject being discussed. On the other hand, relevant refers to something that is related to the topic but not necessarily central or essential to it. It encompasses a wider range of connections, which may include indirect or tangential associations.
The use of "pertinent" often suggests that the information or item in question is not only relevant but also has a significant impact on the matter being considered. It is frequently used in legal, academic, and formal contexts where precision is important. Conversely, "relevant" is more commonly used in everyday language and can refer to anything that has some bearing on the subject, without implying a critical role.
In terms of specificity, "pertinent" is typically more targeted in its application, focusing on the direct applicability to the situation or problem at hand. "Relevant," however, can be applied more broadly and may include information or aspects that, while related, are not crucial to understanding or resolving the main issue.
The choice between "pertinent" and "relevant" often depends on the degree of connection to the main topic. Using "pertinent" may suggest a tighter, more immediate link, while "relevant" may be more appropriate when the connection is less direct or when covering a range of related topics or ideas.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Directly related to and significant to the matter at hand
Related to the topic, but not necessarily central to it
ADVERTISEMENT
Usage Context
Often used in legal, academic, and formal settings
Common in everyday language and various contexts
Specificity
High, indicating a clear and essential connection
Broad, encompassing a wider range of connections
Connection to Topic
Direct and significant impact on the subject
May include indirect or tangential associations
Implication
Suggests critical importance or relevance
Suggests general relevance without implying criticality
Compare with Definitions
Pertinent
Directly related to the matter at hand.
The judge requested all pertinent documents related to the case.
Relevant
Related to the topic at hand, but not necessarily central.
The teacher asked for comments relevant to the subject being discussed.
Pertinent
Often employed in contexts requiring precision.
In academic research, it's crucial to cite only pertinent studies.
Relevant
Widely used in everyday language and discussions.
During the meeting, participants were encouraged to share relevant experiences.
Pertinent
Common in legal, formal, or academic discussions.
The committee considered all information pertinent to the policy change.
Relevant
Indicates a connection without requiring centrality.
The documentary included interviews relevant to the historical event.
Pertinent
Implies a narrow, focused relevance.
The discussion focused on issues pertinent to the upcoming election.
Relevant
Broad, encompassing a range of related topics.
The article covered several relevant issues affecting the community.
Pertinent
Suggests essential relevance.
The lawyer highlighted the pertinent laws affecting the defendant's case.
Relevant
Used across various settings and subjects.
In the workshop, all relevant techniques were demonstrated.
Pertinent
Clearly related to a matter at hand.
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
Pertinent
(legal) A right that attaches to land, in Scots law.
Relevant
Having a bearing on or connection with the matter at hand.
Pertinent
Important with regard to (a subject or matter); pertaining; relevant.
Relevant
Meaningful or purposeful in current society or culture
Thought that the traditional male role of breadwinner was no longer relevant.
Pertinent
Belonging or related to the subject or matter in hand; fit or appropriate in any way; adapted to the end proposed; apposite; material; relevant; as, pertinent illustrations or arguments; pertinent evidence.
Relevant
Related, connected, or pertinent to a topic.
Pertinent
Regarding; concerning; belonging; pertaining.
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.
Pertinent
Having precise or logical relevance to the matter at hand;
A list of articles pertinent to the discussion
Remarks that were to the point
Relevant
Not out of date; current.
Pertinent
Being of striking appropriateness and pertinence;
The successful copywriter is a master of apposite and evocative verbal images
An apt reply
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 "relevant" and "pertinent" be used interchangeably?
While they are similar, they are not always interchangeable due to the difference in the specificity and directness of the connection to the topic.
Is "pertinent" more formal than "relevant"?
"Pertinent" is often used in more formal, legal, or academic contexts, suggesting a tighter relevance, whereas "relevant" is widely used in both formal and informal settings.
How do I decide whether to use "pertinent" or "relevant"?
Consider the degree of directness and significance of the connection to the topic; use "pertinent" for a direct and essential link, and "relevant" for a broader relation.
Can something be relevant but not pertinent?
Yes, something can be relevant by having a relation to the subject but not be pertinent if it does not have a direct and significant impact on the matter at hand.
Why is precision in using "pertinent" vs. "relevant" important?
Precision helps clarify the degree of connection to the subject, which can be critical in legal, academic, and professional contexts.
How is "relevant" different from "pertinent"?
"Relevant" refers to anything related to the subject, with a broader and less direct connection than "pertinent," which implies direct and significant relevance.
Can "pertinent" imply importance?
Yes, using "pertinent" can suggest that the information or item is not only relevant but also important or critical to the discussion or issue.
How does context affect the choice between "pertinent" and "relevant"?
The choice can depend on the desired emphasis on the directness and importance of the connection to the subject, as well as the formality of the context.
In legal documents, why is the term "pertinent" preferred?
In legal documents, "pertinent" is preferred to emphasize the direct and significant relevance of information to the case.
What does "pertinent" mean?
"Pertinent" means directly related to and significant to the matter at hand, often implying a clear and essential connection.
Are "pertinent" and "relevant" synonyms?
They are considered synonyms but differ in the degree of relevance and specificity to the subject matter.
Can a fact be relevant but not immediately pertinent?
Yes, a fact can be relevant to the broader topic without being immediately pertinent to the specific discussion or argument.
How does the relevance of information affect its pertinence?
The relevance of information can contribute to its pertinence, but for information to be pertinent, it must also directly impact the matter at hand.
What is an example of pertinent information in a research paper?
Pertinent information in a research paper would include data and studies directly impacting the research question or hypothesis.
What role does pertinence play in academic research?
Pertinence ensures that only directly related and impactful information is considered, maintaining the focus and integrity of academic research.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Appetizer vs. Salad
Next Comparison
Buckeye vs. ConkerAuthor Spotlight
Written 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.
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.
