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

"Under the Education and Care Services National Regulations, parents can request certain documentation pertaining to their child. The approved provider must make the documentation available on request," they said.

From BBC

What do you think the nation should be taking away from your election … especially as it pertains to appealing to voters?

From Salon

Nasa's press secretary Bethany Stevens told news outlets that Nasa had indeed taken "internal action pertaining to Chinese nationals - including restricting physical and cybersecurity access to our facilities".

From BBC

Now, 11 days after the attack, it has conceded that some data has been impacted but declined to say exactly who the information pertained to, such as customers, suppliers or JLR itself.

From BBC

But three other Republicans, including Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, who was key in advancing Kennedy’s nomination, joined Democrats in criticizing Kennedy’s actions, mostly pertaining to vaccine policy changes.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• apply 
• refer 
• relate