Dictionary

germane

adjective ger·mane \(ˌ)jər-ˈmān\

: relating to a subject in an appropriate way

Full Definition of GERMANE

1
obsolete :  closely akin
2
:  being at once relevant and appropriate :  fitting <omit details that are not germane to the discussion>
ger·mane·ly adverb
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Examples of GERMANE

  1. The press material for this film contains some notes made by the Dardenne brothers during the shooting. Such material is usually disposable, but these notes are germane.. —Stanley Kauffmann, New Republic, 3 Feb. 2003

Origin of GERMANE

Middle English germain, literally, having the same parents, from Anglo-French
First Known Use: 14th century

Synonym Discussion of GERMANE

relevant, germane, material, pertinent, apposite, applicable, apropos mean relating to or bearing upon the matter in hand. relevant implies a traceable, significant, logical connection <found material relevant to her case>. germane may additionally imply a fitness for or appropriateness to the situation or occasion <a point not germane to the discussion>. material implies so close a relationship that it cannot be dispensed with without serious alteration of the case <facts material to the investigation>. pertinent stresses a clear and decisive relevance <a pertinent observation>. apposite suggests a felicitous relevance <add an apposite quotation to the definition>. applicable suggests the fitness of bringing a general rule or principle to bear upon a particular case <the rule is not applicable in this case>. apropos suggests being both relevant and opportune <the quip was apropos>.

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