pertinence: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal
Quick answer
What does “pertinence” mean?
The quality of being directly relevant or applicable to the matter at hand.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The quality of being directly relevant or applicable to the matter at hand.
The state of being logically connected or appropriate, showing aptness for a specific situation or context. Implies a sharp, significant connection rather than a general one.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both dialects use the word in identical formal contexts.
Connotations
Slightly more common in academic and legal writing in both regions. It is perceived as a precise, elevated term.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday speech in both regions. Slightly higher occurrence in British academic prose according to some corpora, but the difference is marginal.
Grammar
How to Use “pertinence” in a Sentence
the pertinence of [NOUN PHRASE] to [NOUN PHRASE]to demonstrate/show/question the pertinence of Xof [adjective] pertinence (e.g., of direct pertinence)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pertinence” in a Sentence
adverb
British English
- He pertinently remarked that the data was five years out of date.
- The report pertinently highlights the key regulatory risk.
American English
- She pertinently observed that the market had shifted since the strategy was drafted.
- The analyst pertinently connected the supply chain issue to the quarterly loss.
adjective
British English
- The barrister made several pertinent observations about the contract's wording.
- That is not a pertinent line of enquiry for this inquest.
American English
- The attorney raised a pertinent objection during the deposition.
- Her comments were brief but highly pertinent to the budget discussion.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in reports to justify the inclusion of data or a strategic focus: 'The board questioned the pertinence of the regional sales data to our global forecast.'
Academic
Common in critiques, literature reviews, and methodology sections: 'The thesis's central weakness is the limited pertinence of its theoretical framework to the case studies presented.'
Everyday
Rare. If used, it sounds very formal: 'I'm not sure of the pertinence of that story to our current problem.'
Technical
Used in legal, philosophical, and scientific writing to discuss the logical connection of evidence or argumentation: 'The judge ruled on the pertinence of the witness's testimony to the charges.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “pertinence”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “pertinence”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pertinence”
- Misspelling as 'pertinance'.
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a pertinence'). It is uncountable.
- Overusing in informal contexts where 'relevance' or 'point' would be more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
While often used interchangeably, 'pertinence' suggests a sharper, more direct, and materially significant connection. 'Relevance' is more general and neutral. Something can be vaguely relevant, but if it is pertinent, it is decisively and importantly connected.
No, it is a formal, low-frequency word (C1/C2 level). It is most common in academic, legal, and professional writing. In everyday speech, 'relevance' is far more common.
No, it is an uncountable (mass) noun. You refer to 'its pertinence', 'the pertinence of something', or 'great pertinence', not 'a pertinence' or 'pertinences'.
The adjective form is 'pertinent'. For example: 'She asked a very pertinent question.'
The quality of being directly relevant or applicable to the matter at hand.
Pertinence is usually formal in register.
Pertinence: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpɜːtɪnəns/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpɝːt(ə)nəns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No specific idioms. The word itself is used in formal phrases.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'PERT-inence' - Is it PERTinent to the point? Does it PERTain to the issue?
Conceptual Metaphor
RELEVANCE IS A CONNECTION / RELEVANCE IS A TOOL FOR THE TASK (e.g., 'a pertinent point' is a tool that fits the job).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'pertinence' MOST appropriately used?