germaine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Low-frequency, academic/formalFormal, academic, legal
Quick answer
What does “germaine” mean?
Relevant to a subject under consideration.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Relevant to a subject under consideration.
Being both pertinent and applicable, closely connected to the matter at hand in a meaningful way.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. More common in UK formal and parliamentary contexts (e.g., 'that is not germane to the motion'). US usage is strong in legal and academic writing.
Connotations
Slightly archaic or highly formal in both varieties, carrying an air of precision and intellectual rigour.
Frequency
Rare in everyday speech in both UK and US; frequency is similar, with a slight edge in US legal contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “germaine” in a Sentence
[Subject] is germane to [Topic/Issue]It is germane to note that...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “germaine” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The MP was told his anecdote was not germane to the parliamentary debate.
American English
- The judge ruled the witness's testimony was germane to the charges.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in formal strategy discussions: 'Your data is not germane to our core market analysis.'
Academic
Common in critiques and research papers: 'The author's findings are germane to the ongoing debate on climate policy.'
Everyday
Very rare. Would sound overly formal. Typically replaced by 'relevant'.
Technical
Used in legal argumentation: 'The objection is sustained; the evidence is not germane to the case.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “germaine”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “germaine”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “germaine”
- Using it in casual conversation.
- Confusing spelling with 'Germany' or 'germ'.
- Using it without 'to' (e.g., 'germane the topic' is wrong; must be 'germane to the topic').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, formal word used primarily in academic, legal, and formal debate contexts.
No, in modern English it is used exclusively as an adjective.
Omitting the required preposition 'to'. One must always say 'germane TO something'.
'Germane' is a more formal and precise synonym. It often implies a deeper, more logical connection, while 'relevant' is more general and used in all registers.
Relevant to a subject under consideration.
Germaine is usually formal, academic, legal in register.
Germaine: in British English it is pronounced /dʒɜːˈmeɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /dʒɝːˈmeɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to be germane to the matter”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'GERMan' + 'cANE'. A German professor taps his cane and says, 'That point is GERMANE!' to stress its relevance.
Conceptual Metaphor
RELEVANCE IS A FIT (as in a key fits a lock). 'Germane' ideas fit perfectly into the discussion.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'germane' used CORRECTLY?