Relative vs. Relevant — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 15, 2024
Relative pertains to how things are connected or compared, while relevant relates to the significance or pertinence to the matter at hand.
Difference Between Relative and Relevant
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Relative refers to the way in which two or more things are connected or compared, highlighting their relationship or dependence on context. It suggests a comparison or linkage to something else, often used to express variability based on conditions or perspectives. On the other hand, relevant deals with the applicability or importance of something in relation to a specific matter, task, or discussion, emphasizing direct significance or usefulness.
While "relative" is often used to discuss comparisons, such as in "relative performance" where performance is measured against a benchmark or peer, "relevant" focuses on the pertinence or appropriateness of information, ideas, or actions within a specific context, as in "relevant information" which directly contributes to understanding or resolving an issue.
In terms of usage, "relative" can describe relationships, proportions, or positions, indicating that the true nature or value of something can change depending on the context or comparison point. Conversely, "relevant" is employed to assert the importance or significance of something in a given situation, asserting that it has a meaningful or impactful connection to the issue at hand.
The concept of relativity is often applied in physics, where it explains how observations can vary based on the observer's frame of reference, illustrating that many aspects of the universe are not absolute but relative. In contrast, relevance is a key criterion in fields like information science, law, and communication, where the focus is on ensuring that content, arguments, or data directly relate to the main subject or goal, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness.
Understanding the distinction between relative and relevant is crucial for clear communication and effective decision-making, as it helps in distinguishing between what varies based on perspective or context and what is directly pertinent or impactful to a particular situation or discussion.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Pertaining to the connection or comparison between things.
Concerned with the significance or applicability to the matter at hand.
Context of Use
Used to express relationships, comparisons, or dependencies.
Used to indicate the importance or usefulness of something in a specific context.
Focus
On how things are related or compared to each other.
On the direct significance or pertinence of something.
Dependence
Values or conditions that change based on context or perspective.
The inherent connection or impact on a specific topic or situation.
Fields of Application
Physics, family relations, comparative analysis.
Information science, law, decision-making, communication.
Compare with Definitions
Relative
Concerned with the way in which something is connected to or compared with another.
The success of a strategy is often relative to its implementation context.
Relevant
Closely connected or appropriate to what is being done or considered.
It's important to ask questions that are relevant to the topic of discussion.
Relative
Pertaining to kinship or familial connections.
She invited all her relatives to the family reunion.
Relevant
Bearing upon or connected with the matter in hand; pertinent.
Only include relevant information in your report to keep it concise and focused.
Relative
Not absolute or independent; varying according to circumstances or perspective.
Happiness is relative, often influenced by individual expectations and experiences.
Relevant
Applicable or significant to a particular matter; of consequence.
Relevant experience is often a key factor in job selection processes.
Relative
Used to describe quantities or situations that are comparable in some way.
The relative humidity affects how hot the day actually feels.
Relevant
Having significant and demonstrable bearing on the facts at hand.
Relevant research findings can significantly impact policy development.
Relative
Dependent upon or defined by a point of reference or comparison.
Economic growth is relative to various factors like policy and market demand.
Relevant
Suitable or fitting for a particular purpose, situation, or occasion.
The training provided was highly relevant to their daily tasks.
Relative
Considered in relation or in proportion to something else
The relative effectiveness of the various mechanisms is not known
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
Relative
Denoting a pronoun, determiner, or adverb that refers to an expressed or implied antecedent and attaches a subordinate clause to it, e.g. which, who.
Relevant
Having a bearing on or connection with the matter at hand.
Relative
(of major and minor keys) having the same key signature.
Relevant
Meaningful or purposeful in current society or culture
Thought that the traditional male role of breadwinner was no longer relevant.
Relative
(of a service rank) corresponding in grade to another in a different service.
Relevant
Related, connected, or pertinent to a topic.
Relative
A relative pronoun, determiner, or adverb.
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.
Relative
A term or concept which is dependent on something else.
Relevant
Not out of date; current.
Relative
Considered in comparison or relation to something else
An animal with a large brain relative to body size.
The relative quiet of the suburbs.
Relevant
Relieving; lending aid or support.
Relative
Having pertinence or relevance; connected or related
How are those remarks relative to the discussion?.
Relevant
Bearing upon, or properly applying to, the case in hand; pertinent; applicable.
Close and relevant arguments have very little hold on the passions.
Relative
(Grammar) Referring to or qualifying an antecedent, as the pronoun who in the man who was on TV or that in the dictionary that I use.
Relevant
Sufficient to support the cause.
Relative
(Music) Having the same key signature. Used of major and minor scales and keys
A minor is the relative minor of C major.
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
Relative
A person related to another by heredity, adoption, or marriage.
Relevant
Having crucial relevance;
Crucial to the case
Relevant testimony
Relative
A species or other taxon that shares a common ancestor, usually a relatively recent ancestor, with another
The jaguar is a relative of the lion.
Relative
(Grammar) A relative pronoun.
Relative
Connected to or depending on something else; comparative.
Relative
Expressed in relation to another item, rather than in complete form.
Relative
(grammar) Depending on an antecedent; comparative.
The words “big” and “small” are relative.
Relative
(music) Having the same key but differing in being major or minor.
Relative
Relevant; pertinent; related.
Relative to your earlier point about taxes, ...
Relative
Capable to be changed by other beings or circumstance; conditional.
Relative
(linguistics) A type of adjective that inflects like a relative clause, rather than a true adjective, in certain Bantu languages.
Relative
Having relation or reference; referring; respecting; standing in connection; pertaining; as, arguments not relative to the subject.
I'll have groundsMore relative than this.
Relative
Arising from relation; resulting from connection with, or reference to, something else; not absolute.
Every thing sustains both an absolute and a relative capacity: an absolute, as it is such a thing, endued with such a nature; and a relative, as it is a part of the universe, and so stands in such a relations to the whole.
Relative
Indicating or expressing relation; refering to an antecedent; as, a relative pronoun.
Relative
Characterizing or pertaining to chords and keys, which, by reason of the identify of some of their tones, admit of a natural transition from one to the other.
Relative
One who, or that which, relates to, or is considered in its relation to, something else; a relative object or term; one of two object or term; one of two objects directly connected by any relation.
Relative
An animal or plant that bears a relationship to another (as related by common descent or by membership in the same genus)
Relative
Not absolute or complete;
A relative stranger
Relative
Properly related in size or degree or other measurable characteristics; usually followed by `to';
Punishment oughtt to be proportional to the crime
Earnings relative to production
Common Curiosities
What does it mean when something is relative?
It means its value, importance, or characteristics depend on or are compared to something else.
Why is understanding relativity important?
Understanding relativity is crucial for recognizing that perceptions and conditions can change based on different comparisons or contexts.
Can something be both relative and relevant?
Yes, something can be relative in its comparison to other items and relevant in its significance to a specific context.
Can cultural factors influence relativity?
Yes, cultural factors can influence how certain concepts or situations are perceived relatively, affecting values and behaviors.
What is an example of relativity in everyday life?
The concept of "early" or "late" is relative, depending on cultural norms and personal schedules.
Can relevance change over time?
Yes, what is relevant can change as circumstances, needs, and societal norms evolve.
What makes information relevant?
Information is relevant if it directly applies to and has a significant impact on the understanding or resolution of a specific issue.
Is relevance subjective?
While relevance has objective criteria, its determination can be influenced by individual perspectives and needs.
How do you determine if something is relevant?
By assessing whether it directly relates to, contributes to, or impacts the matter at hand.
How does relativity affect decision-making?
Relativity can affect decision-making by highlighting that choices might be optimal only within certain contexts or comparisons.
How do you ensure information remains relevant?
By continuously updating and aligning it with the current context and the evolving needs and goals of the situation.
How does relativity impact personal relationships?
Recognizing the relativity of perspectives and experiences can foster empathy and understanding in personal interactions.
What role does relevance play in communication?
Relevance is key in communication, ensuring that messages are meaningful and pertinent to the audience, enhancing understanding and engagement.
How is relativity used in science?
In physics, relativity theory explains how measurements of time, space, and mass can vary depending on the observer's velocity and gravitational field.
Why is relevance important in research?
Relevance ensures that research addresses pressing and pertinent questions, contributing valuable insights and solutions.
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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
Maham Liaqat
