pertinence

USAGE SUMMARY

'pertinence' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the relevance or relation of something in relation to the subject being discussed. For example: "The pertinence of the speaker's words was clear to the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cite a person's transgender status only when it is pertinent and its pertinence is clear to the reader.

The New York Times

Originally released as a benefit single for Aids research, the song's lyrics carry an unintentional pertinence for the protesters threatening to use the festival to highlight the band's alleged tax avoidance.

The Guardian - Opinion

The emotion tethered to pertinence – 'What is it for?', 'Why do you want to do this?'," said Will.i.am.am

The Guardian

The concept lost its pertinence in Germany after the Peace of Augsburg in 1555, which granted toleration to the Lutherans in the territories where they predominated.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And while they duly lose much of their pertinence to Epsom, usually ascribed to the hill, for much the same reason they are arguably rather stronger than in recent years.

Independent

Estranged from her painter father at the age of eight, the making of his giant head has special pertinence.

Independent

One is left with a pleasant feeling of skew-symmetry: although Tommy long ago lost any cultural relevance it may have for teenagers, tonight, at least, it had a profound pertinence to one particular group of them.

Independent

That it was posed directly to Aston Villa's captain, Micah Richards, by a small knot of supporters, in the midst of familiar embarrassment and underachievement, only added to its pertinence.

Independent

Paul Cookson's Facebook "SCHOOL HOLIDAY RANT", which went viral this week and led to a government e-petition calling on companies to stop charging extra during school holidays, would take on even greater pertinence if the window shrank to seven weeks.

Independent

The PAC is always chaired by a senior member of the Opposition, and from 1990 Williams worked with Robert Sheldon, who told me that he hugely valued the pertinence and concision with which Williams questioned accounting officers and Civil Service mandarins.

Independent

Moreover, its pertinence must be made clear to the objecting witness.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pertinence" to emphasize the direct relevance and importance of a particular piece of information or idea within a specific context. This word often adds a layer of formality and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "pertinence" when a simpler term like "relevance" or "importance" suffices. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose or pretentious. Ensure the context truly warrants the formality that "pertinence" implies.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "pertinence" is as a noun. It refers to the quality of being pertinent, meaning relevant or applicable to a particular matter. As Ludwig confirms, it is usable in written English to denote relevance or relationship.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Arts

14%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pertinence" is a grammatically correct and very common noun used to denote the quality of being relevant or applicable. As noted by Ludwig, it is suitable for use in formal writing to emphasize the direct connection and significance of information within a given context. While synonyms like "relevance" and "importance" exist, "pertinence" often adds a layer of precision and formality. It's frequently found in News & Media, Arts, and Encyclopedia sources. When using "pertinence", be mindful of the overall tone and ensure it aligns with the level of formality appropriate for your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relevance

Emphasizes the direct connection and importance to the matter at hand.

applicability

Highlights the suitability and practical use in a specific context.

relevancy

A synonym of relevance, often used interchangeably.

significance

Focuses on the importance and meaningfulness of something.

importance

Stresses the high value or crucial nature of something.

bearing

Indicates a connection or influence on the subject being considered.

materiality

Refers to the importance or significance of something, especially in a legal or financial context.

consequence

Highlights the result or effect of something, emphasizing its importance.

connection

Points out a link or relationship to the matter being discussed.

relationship

Focuses on the way in which two or more things are connected.

FAQs

How is "pertinence" used in a sentence?

Use "pertinence" to highlight the relevance or applicability of something to a particular context. For example, "The "pertinence of the evidence" was crucial to the case."

What are some synonyms for "pertinence"?

Alternatives to "pertinence" include "relevance", "applicability", and "significance". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does "pertinence" differ from "relevance"?

"Pertinence" and "relevance" are often interchangeable, but "pertinence" can suggest a more direct and crucial connection to the matter at hand, implying a higher degree of importance.

When is it appropriate to use "pertinence" instead of "importance"?

"Pertinence" is suitable when you want to emphasize the direct relationship and applicability of something, whereas "importance" generally refers to the overall significance or value. "The pertinence of the data" focuses on its direct bearing on the analysis.