[i-rel-uh-vuh
nt] 
| 1. | not relevant; not applicable or pertinent: His lectures often stray to interesting but irrelevant subjects. |
| 2. | Law. (of evidence) having no probative value upon any issue in the case. |
[i-rel-uh-vuhnt] , as [i-rev-uh-luhnt], as if spelled irrevelant, is the result of metathesis, the transposition of two sounds, in this case, the [l] and the [v]. Relevant, the base word, is occasionally subject to the same process. Analogy with words like prevalent and equivalent may play a role. A similar reordering of the [l] and [v] consonant sounds, althought not a strict one-to-one metathesis, can be heard for Calvary [kal-vuh-ree] when pronounced [kav-uhl-ree]. Here the transposition is reinforced by the existence of the familiar word cavalry. | ir·rel·e·vant (ĭ-rěl'ə-vənt) adj. Unrelated to the matter being considered. ir·rel'e·vant·ly adv. Synonyms: These adjectives mean not pertinent to the subject under consideration: an irrelevant comment; a question extraneous to the discussion; an objection that is immaterial; mentioned several impertinent facts. |
