What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
materiality
Example
The materiality of the evidence presented in court was crucial to the outcome of the trial. [materiality: noun]
Example
The auditor determined that the misstatement was not material to the financial statements. [material: adjective]
relevance
Example
The article's relevance to the current political climate made it a popular read. [relevance: noun]
Example
The teacher emphasized the relevance of the lesson to the students' future careers. [relevant: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Relevance is more commonly used than materiality in everyday language and can be applied to various fields and contexts. Materiality is more commonly used in technical or specialized contexts, such as accounting and auditing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between materiality and relevance?
Materiality is typically associated with a formal and technical tone, while relevance can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
