pertinent

Everyday

(formal) Pertinent means closely connected to the subject being talked about, and useful for it; relevant. tree →

In the lessons

In school and exam writing pupils are asked to give «pertinent details» or «pertinent evidence»: facts that really answer the question. In meetings and courts a pertinent question goes straight to the point. Phrases: pertinent to, a pertinent question, pertinent facts, pertinent information.

Examples

• That's a very pertinent question. tree →
• Only include facts pertinent to the topic. tree →
• The detective noticed one pertinent detail: the muddy boots. tree →
• Choose the quotation most pertinent to the question. tree →
• Is that pertinent to our science project, or is it off topic? tree →
• The judge asked the witness for any pertinent information. tree →

Note

Formal; everyday word: relevant. Used with «to»: pertinent to the question. Noun: pertinence. Opposite: irrelevant (or impertinent in an old sense; today impertinent means rude and cheeky to an older person).