WordValegermane
relevant to the subject
In more detail
relevant to or connected with what is being discussed or considered
Examples
- The witness's testimony about the accident was germane to the case.
How to use germane
Germane is a formal word meaning relevant or closely connected to a topic. It is commonly used in academic, legal, and professional writing to describe information or arguments that bear directly on the matter at hand. It is slightly more elevated and precise than the everyday synonym relevant, with a subtle emphasis on logical or direct connection rather than mere topical association.
Common phrases
- germane to the discussion
- germane to the point
- germane to the subject
- highly germane
- directly germane
Synonyms
relevant · pertinent · applicable · apposite · material
Opposites
irrelevant · immaterial · extraneous
Word family
germanely (adverb) · germaneness (noun)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse germane with German or the country name Germany, perhaps because of the spelling similarity; in context germane should never refer to anything geographical or national.
Save this word in WordVale and it comes back for review right before you'd forget it — with pronunciation, real examples, and optional translations. One purchase, no subscription.
Get WordValeFREE 7-DAY TRIAL · iPHONE & iPAD