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Synonyms

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.


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)

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He said that could lead to further “tailwinds pertaining to the security of AI,” although it could take time.

From MarketWatch

But the airline groups pointed to "chronic border control understaffing" as well as "unresolved technology issues" pertaining to automation.

From Barron's

At times, Ruemmler and Epstein emailed about his legal issues and how to handle media coverage pertaining to his alleged crimes, according to the Justice Department documents.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Thirtysomething actor's defence team submitted more than 70 letters from people vouching for his character and said that he underwent and passed a polygraph test pertaining to the allegations against him.

From BBC

“A technicality. It pertains to both of us. Look inside.”

From Literature