adjective
material
Important and relevant to the matter at hand.
The new evidence makes a material difference to the case.
Etymology
Material derives from matter or substance. The relevance sense concerns something substantial to the issue itself, rather than a detail that makes no difference.
More examples
- She omitted a material fact.
- The change had no material effect on the outcome.
- They considered whether the error was material.
Forms
material
Similar words
- significant
- Important enough to matter.
- relevant
- Connected to the issue, though not necessarily decisive.