Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈpɜːrtɪnəns/
KK: /ˈpɜrtɪnəns/
Definition
The quality of being relevant or applicable to a particular matter or situation.
Example
The pertinence of her comments to the discussion was appreciated by everyone in the meeting.
Conversation

Did you see the article about climate change and its pertinence to our daily lives?

Yeah, it really highlights how much it affects us all.

I think understanding the pertinence of these issues is crucial for making real changes.

Absolutely! We should all be more aware of it.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
relevance
applicability
significance
Antonyms
irrelevance
inapplicability
insignificance
Root Explanation
Pertinence → It is formed from "pertinere" (meaning to relate or belong) and the suffix "-ence" (indicating a state or quality). The word "pertinence" refers to the quality of being relevant or applicable to a matter.
Memory Tip
Think of something that 'relates' ('pertinere') to a topic — that's why pertinence means relevance.
Visually Confused Words
impertinence
impertinency
prominence
pestilence
permanence
experience