pertain

[per-teyn]

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.

pertain

/ 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)

Word History and Origins

Origin of pertain¹

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”

Word History and Origins

Origin of pertain¹

C14: from Latin pertinēre, from per- (intensive) + tenēre to hold

Example Sentences

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.

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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.

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The releases could, in theory, also include files pertaining to imprisoned Epstein co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell, as well as people - including government officials - mentioned in the case.

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"As a consequence of the PSNI's announcement today of their investigation we will not be able to make any further comment related to the inquiry or aspects pertaining to it," it added.

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Mr Bolton has recently been indicted in the US on several charges pertaining to the alleged mishandling of classified information.

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Related Words

• apply 
• refer 
• relate