Relevance vs. Relevancy — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 26, 2023
Relevance and Relevancy both mean the quality of being directly connected or pertinent to a matter. They're often used interchangeably, but "relevance" is more common.
Difference Between Relevance and Relevancy
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Relevance and Relevancy both refer to the condition of being pertinent, applicable, or connected to a particular matter. Their meanings overlap, and they can often be used interchangeably.
Historically, Relevance and Relevancy have been used in specific contexts. For instance, in legal jargon, "relevancy" might be preferred to describe the applicability of evidence in court. On the other hand, "relevance" is broadly used in many contexts, such as discussions about topics or issues.
From a linguistic standpoint, Relevance is the more frequently used term in American English. It's considered more standard and is commonly found in academic, casual, and professional discourse. Relevancy, while understood and not incorrect, is less common.
Another distinction is in their derivatives. From Relevance, we get "relevant," which means directly connected or appropriate to the current matter. From Relevancy, we would still use "relevant" as its adjective form, showing the more dominant presence of the "-ance" form.
In summary, while both Relevance and Relevancy mean the same and can often be used interchangeably, "relevance" is more commonly used and is the more standard choice in most contexts.
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Comparison Chart
Basic Definition
Quality of being pertinent or connected.
Quality of being pertinent or connected.
Usage Frequency
More commonly used in American English.
Less commonly used.
Preferred Context
Used in various contexts (e.g., academic, casual).
Historically used in specific contexts like legal.
Derivative Adjective
Relevant
Relevant (no unique adjective from "relevancy").
Synonym
Applicability, pertinence.
Applicability, pertinence.
Compare with Definitions
Relevance
Significance in a particular context.
Given the current crisis, the topic's relevance has increased.
Relevancy
The quality of being pertinent or applicable.
The relevancy of his testimony was challenged by the opposing lawyer.
Relevance
Quality of being directly connected or applicable.
The relevance of this research to modern science is undeniable.
Relevancy
Significance or importance in a specific context.
The relevancy of historical events in shaping culture is profound.
Relevance
Importance in relation to a specific subject.
The relevance of voter turnout in a democracy cannot be overstated.
Relevancy
Suitability or appropriateness in relation to a topic.
The professor ensured the relevancy of the curriculum to the students' careers.
Relevance
The condition of being meaningful and purposeful.
The speaker's stories added relevance to his message.
Relevancy
Connection or relation to a matter.
She raised doubts about the relevancy of the old documents.
Relevance
Pertinence to the matter at hand.
She questioned the relevance of his comment in the meeting.
Relevancy
Being directly related to the issue at hand.
The data provided had direct relevancy to the research question.
Relevance
Relevance is the concept of one topic being connected to another topic in a way that makes it useful to consider the second topic when considering the first. The concept of relevance is studied in many different fields, including cognitive sciences, logic, and library and information science.
Relevancy
One that is relevant.
Relevance
The quality or state of being closely connected or appropriate
The quantity, quality, and relevance of links count towards your rating
This film has contemporary relevance
The Web does allow us to produce more articles of relevance to our readers
Relevancy
Relevance; pertinence.
Relevance
Having a bearing on or connection with the matter at hand.
Relevancy
Sufficiency (of a statement, claim etc.) to carry weight in law; legal pertinence.
Relevance
Meaningful or purposeful in current society or culture
Thought that the traditional male role of breadwinner was no longer relevant.
Relevancy
(uncountable) The degree to which a thing is relevant; relevance, applicability.
Relevance
The property or state of being relevant or pertinent.
Relevancy
(countable) A relevant thing.
Relevance
The quality or state of being relevant; pertinency; applicability.
Its answer little meaning, little relevancy bore.
Relevancy
The relation of something to the matter at hand
Relevance
Sufficiency to infer the conclusion.
Relevance
The relation of something to the matter at hand
Common Curiosities
Can I use them interchangeably in an essay?
Yes, but it's better to stay consistent and use "relevance" as it's more standard.
Are there contexts where one is preferred over the other?
Historically, "relevancy" has been used in legal contexts, but "relevance" is broadly applicable.
Is "relevancy" becoming obsolete?
Not obsolete, but "relevance" is certainly more prevalent.
Is one more formal than the other?
Both are formal, but "relevance" is more commonly used in American English.
What's the adjective form of "relevancy"?
The adjective for both "relevance" and "relevancy" is "relevant."
Are they used differently in British English?
Both are understood, but like in American English, "relevance" is more common.
Which one should I use in a business setting?
"Relevance" is the safer and more standard choice.
Are relevance and relevancy synonyms?
Yes, they both refer to the quality of being pertinent or connected to a matter.
Do other languages differentiate between these two like English does?
The differentiation is specific to English. Translations in other languages will usually have one standard term.
Why are there two words for the same meaning?
Language evolution leads to synonyms. While both exist, "relevance" has become more dominant in usage.
How does "relevancy" relate to "irrelevancy"?
"Irrelevancy" is the opposite of "relevancy", denoting a lack of connection or pertinence.
Are they noun forms of the adjective "relevant"?
Yes, both "relevance" and "relevancy" are noun forms of "relevant."
Is "relevance" used in academic writing?
Yes, "relevance" is commonly used in academic contexts.
What's an antonym for "relevance"?
An antonym for "relevance" is "irrelevance."
Can something have varying degrees of relevance/relevancy?
Yes, something can have more or less relevance/relevancy to a topic.
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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.
