What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
relevance
Example
The article's relevance to the current political climate was undeniable. [relevance: noun]
Example
Her experience in marketing made her insights highly relevant to our discussion. [relevant: adjective]
importance
Example
The importance of education cannot be overstated. [importance: noun]
Example
It is important that we address this issue before it becomes a bigger problem. [important: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Importance is more commonly used than relevance in everyday language. Importance is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while relevance is less common and often used in academic or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between relevance and importance?
Relevance is typically associated with a more formal tone, while importance is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.