How to Memorize

germane - relevant

Analysis

Ideas or information that are connected, appropriate, or important to the matter at hand can be called ‘germane’ to it. This formal word is most commonly used in a professional context, especially in relation to business or politics.

Example(s)

1. We are short on time for today’s meeting, so we need to limit our discussion to what’s germane to the current issue.

2. I question the germaneness of adding immigration reform to a bill designed to deal with corporate malfeasance.

3. The politician refused to answer the journalist's questions because he felt they were not germane to the matter at hand.