irrelevant response

[/ɪˈrɛləvənt rɪˈspɒns/]
nounpl: irrelevant responses
resposta irrelevante
1. A reply or answer that does not address the question asked or is not connected to the topic being discussed
When asked about the budget, his irrelevant response about the weather frustrated everyone in the meeting.
Quando perguntado sobre o orçamento, sua resposta irrelevante sobre o tempo frustrou todos na reunião.
2. A statement or comment that lacks importance or bearing on the matter at hand
The judge ruled the witness's testimony an irrelevant response and struck it from the record.
O juiz considerou o depoimento da testemunha uma resposta irrelevante e o retirou do registro.
In Brazilian business culture, calling out an 'irrelevant response' is generally done tactfully to maintain relationships, often using phrases like 'mas isso não é exatamente...' (but that's not exactly...). In American contexts, directness is more accepted. In Portugal, similar formality applies but with emphasis on appropriateness to the moment.
NYC Slang
that's not it / way off / missing the point / not hearing it
Synonyms / Sinônimos
off-topic responsetangential replynon-sequiturunrelated answerbeside the point
Antonyms / Antônimos
relevant responsepertinent answerappropriate replyon-topic response

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
resposta irrelevante
Standard formal usage in business and academic contexts
Rio de Janeiro
resposta irrelevante / resposta fora do assunto
More colloquial usage mixing formal and informal speech
São Paulo
resposta irrelevante / resposta deslocada
Formal usage preferred in corporate and professional settings
Portugal
resposta irrelevante / resposta inoportuna
Similar formal usage with slight emphasis on untimeliness

Related Words

relevancepertinenceoff-topictangentialcontextual

Related Idioms & Phrases

barking up the wrong tree
missing the mark
talking past someone
preaching to the choir
não vem ao caso
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