Irrelevant
/ɪˈreləvənt/
Definitions
Not connected with or important to a subject or matter.
/ɪˈreləvənt/
Not connected with or not important to something.
His comment about the weather was irrelevant to the debate.
💡 Simply: Something is irrelevant when it doesn't matter or isn't connected to what's being talked about. Like, if you're talking about pizza toppings and someone brings up their favorite type of car, it's irrelevant!
👶 For kids: When something is irrelevant, it doesn't have anything to do with what you're talking about.
More Examples
The committee decided that the proposal was irrelevant to their current goals.
When you’re trying to find your keys, talking about the weather is irrelevant.
How It's Used
"The judge ruled that the testimony was irrelevant to the case."
"His personal opinions are irrelevant to the discussion about company policy."
"The student's answer was irrelevant to the question asked."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
From Latin *irrelevantem*, present participle of *irrelevant*, from *in-* 'not' + *relevare* 'to lift up, to alleviate', from *levare* 'to lift'.
The term 'irrelevant' has been used since the early 17th century, initially in a theological context before broadening to general usage.
Memory tip
Imagine a conversation about cats, and someone starts talking about dogs – their comment is irrelevant.
Word Origin
"not + to lift up/relieve"