- relevant (adj.)
- "pertinent to the matter at hand," 1550s, from Medieval Latin relevantem (late 15c.), present participle of Latin relevare "to lessen, lighten" (see relieve). Originally a Scottish legal term meaning "take up, take possession of property;" not generally used until after 1800. Relevance is from 1733 (relevancy in the same sense is recorded from 1560s).