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 is undeniable. [relevance: noun]
Example
The data presented has no relevance to our current project. [relevance: noun]
significance
Example
The discovery of a new species of animal is of great significance to the scientific community. [significance: noun]
Example
The results of the study have significant implications for future research. [significant: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Relevance is more commonly used than significance in everyday language. Relevance is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while significance is more formal and often used in academic or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between relevance and significance?
Significance is generally considered more formal than relevance. It is often used in academic or professional settings to evaluate the importance or impact of something in a particular context.
