What is the word for "showing that something is meaningful"?



If I conduct an experiment and get results, and I can then relate those to real life in a way, what is the verb that this link to is doing?


My first thought was validate, but that isn't correct.



Answer



It seems easier to come up with an adjective than a verb. My first thoughts were relevant and pertinent (as in, “These results are relevant because...”), but you're looking for a verb.


There's the verb pertain, which means (according to NOAD):



pertain
(intrans. verb) be appropriate, related, or applicable



and also apply:



apply
(intrans. verb) be applicable or relevant
(trans. verb) bring or put into operation or practical use : the oil industry has failed to apply appropriate standards of care.



So, you might say, “We can apply these results to...”


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