WordGarden.iotopicality
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /tˈɒpɪkˈælɪti/
US
Meanings
Noun
the quality of being of current interest or directly relevant to what is being discussed
the status of being the topic or discourse focus in a sentence or stretch of discourse
Beyond the definition
Topicality refers to how well something fits the subject being discussed, or how relevant it is right now. Think of it like this: in a debate, a point has topicality if it clearly relates to the issue at hand. In everyday life, a news story has topicality when it connects with what people are talking about and dealing with at the moment.
Topicality often comes up in debates and discussions, where staying "on topic" matters. It also appears in journalism and humor, where current interest matters a lot. News cycles thrive on topicality, and comedians often rely on it when they joke about recent events. If something lacks topicality, it may feel off-topic, dated, or irrelevant.
Topicality describes the quality of being closely related to the subject under discussion or relevant to present circumstances. It is more than simply "having a topic." The word often carries one of two closely linked ideas: staying focused on the matter at hand, and being connected to what is important or current at the moment.
You will often encounter "topicality" in contexts like competitive debate, journalism, and political discourse. In formal debates, topicality is a key criterion for judging arguments; a point must directly address the resolution being debated to be considered "topical." A debater might argue that an opponent's argument lacks topicality because it veers off into unrelated issues.
In journalism, topicality also helps drive the news cycle. Editors prioritize stories that are timely and connect with current events. For example, a feature article on sustainable farming is far more topical during a global climate summit than at a time when that issue is receiving less public attention.
Beyond these formal settings, we use the idea of topicality in everyday conversation. Saying that a joke or a news story is "dated" implies that it lacks topicality because it is no longer relevant to current discussions. In the same way, a comment in a meeting may be criticized for lacking topicality if it does not really relate to the subject being discussed.
Essentially, topicality is about relevance, either to the subject at hand or to the present moment. Which sense is strongest depends on the context. In a debate, it usually means being properly on the subject. In news, comedy, or public discussion, it often emphasizes being of the moment. It is a dynamic quality; what feels highly topical today may be forgotten by tomorrow.
Examples
- 1
Literary relevance
The play has lost none of its topicality, despite being written decades ago.
- 2
Election themes
Critics were struck by the topicality of the novel's themes during the election year.
- Patternthe topicality of + subject
how relevant and current it seems
- 3
Journalism
The magazine tries to balance topicality with careful reporting.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- timeliness
- newsworthiness
- salience
Contrast
- irrelevance
- datedness
Used with (collocations)
- the topicality of
- renewed topicality
- lose its topicality
Word family
Explore
- public interest
- agenda setting
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- topicalitynoun