pertain

American  

[per-teyn] / pərˈteɪn /

verb (used without object)

1. to have reference or relation; relate.

   documents pertaining to the lawsuit.

2. to belong or be connected as a part, adjunct, possession, or attribute.

3. to belong properly or fittingly; be appropriate.

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pertain British  

/ pəˈteɪn /

verb

1. to have reference, relation, or relevance

   issues pertaining to women

2. to be appropriate

   the product pertains to real user needs

3. to belong (to) or be a part (of); be an adjunct, attribute, or accessory (of)

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Etymology

Origin of pertain

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English pertenen, partenen, perteinen, from Middle French partein-, stem of partenir, from Latin pertinēre “to be applicable,” literally, “to hold through, reach,” equivalent to per- per- + -tinēre, combining form of tenēre “to hold”

Example Sentences

He said there would be a presence there “as it pertains to oil.”

From Barron's

The judge rejected the petition, noting that Buzzard was still living with her mother and had not submitted adequate information pertaining to her income and expenses.

From Los Angeles Times

Material that could jeopardize an active federal investigation, is classified or that pertains to national defence or foreign policy is typically not made public, per justice department policy.

From BBC

Both chambers of Congress - the legislative branch of US government - approved a measure that compels the US justice department to release all files pertaining to its investigation into Epstein.

From BBC

But for nearly half of those violations — many of them pertaining to worker safety — the companies paid no fines and received only warnings or notices to correct the problems.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• apply
• refer
• relate