pertain

[per-teyn]

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verb (used without object)

to have reference or relation; relate: documents pertaining to the lawsuit.

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

to belong properly or fittingly; be appropriate.

Origin of pertain

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

Related formsun·per·tain·ing, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for pertaining

connected, referring, related, relevant

Examples from the Web for pertaining

Contemporary Examples of pertaining

We can't dismiss these human costs as pertaining to only somebody else.
Gun Violence Isn't a Racial Problem
David Frum
January 15, 2013

Historical Examples of pertaining

Pascuense, pertaining to pastures; referring to its habitat.
The Mushroom, Edible and Otherwise
M. E. Hard
Apical: at, near or pertaining to the apex; usually of a wing.
Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology
John. B. Smith
Mesal: pertaining to, situated on or in the median plane of the body.
Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology
John. B. Smith
Rostral: pertaining or attached to a rostrum; specifically of Hemiptera.
Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology
John. B. Smith
Of or pertaining to the useful in mechanical arts, or to any science, business, or the like.
Carpentry for Boys
J. S. Zerbe

British Dictionary definitions for pertaining

pertain

verb (intr often foll by to)

to have reference, relation, or relevanceissues pertaining to women

to be appropriatethe product pertains to real user needs

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

Word Origin for pertain

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

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

Word Origin and History for pertaining

pertain

early 14c., from Old French partenir "to belong to" and directly from Latin pertinere "to reach, stretch; relate, have reference to; belong, be the right of; be applicable," from per- "through" (see per) + tenere "to hold" (see tenet). Related: Pertained; pertaining.