Word: germane

Associations

The word "germane" means something that is relevant or appropriate to a subject. It is often used in discussions where specific information should be closely related to the main topic.

• Example 1: "Her comments about the project were germane to our discussion." (This means her comments were relevant and important to what they were talking about.)
• Example 2: "We need to focus on germane issues during the meeting." (This means they should concentrate on issues that are important and related to the meeting.)
• Example 3: "His experience is germane to this position." (This means that his experience is relevant and applicable for the job.)

The synonym for "germane" is "relevant." The difference is that "germane" often emphasizes appropriateness, while "relevant" simply means it pertains to the matter at hand.

Substitution

You could use words like "relevant," "applicable," or "pertinent" in place of "germane."

• "Relevant" focuses on the connection to the topic but doesn't imply appropriateness.
• "Applicable" implies that something can be used in a certain situation but may lack the subjective judgment of relevance.
• "Pertinent" highlights the importance of a matter but might not always carry the same depth of suitability as "germane."

Deconstruction

The word "germane" comes from the Latin root "germanus," which means "of the same parents" or "related." It has no prefix but it does have the suffix “-ane,” which is used in adjectives to indicate a relationship or connection. This historical context helps underline how "germane" conveys the idea of relevance and connection.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a time when you discussed something that was germane to your conversation?
• How might the discussion change if someone brought up a point that was not germane?
• In your life, how important do you think it is to keep discussions focused on germane topics? Why?