What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
relevant
Example
The article provides relevant information about the topic. [relevant: adjective]
Example
His experience is relevant to the job requirements. [relevant: adjective]
pertinent
Example
The lawyer asked pertinent questions during the trial. [pertinent: adjective]
Example
Her comments were not pertinent to the discussion. [pertinent: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Relevant is more commonly used than pertinent in everyday language, but both words are commonly used in academic and professional contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between relevant and pertinent?
Pertinent has a slightly more formal connotation than relevant, which can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, both words can be used in formal writing and speech.
