Which factor indicates that a source is less affected by time?

Timelessness is the factor that indicates a source is less affected by time. This term refers to information or sources that maintain their value and relevance regardless of when they were created or published. For example, foundational theories or principles in various fields, such as mathematics or ethics, often remain significant and applicable across different eras despite changes in context or advancements in related fields.

In contrast, recentness pertains to how current the data or information is, which can influence its relevance but is directly tied to a specific point in time. Compatibility refers to how well two or more sources or ideas fit together, while relevance speaks to the appropriateness and significance of the information in relation to the topic at hand. While these factors are vital in evaluating sources, they do not necessarily imply that the information is unaffected by time in the same way that timelessness does.