pertain
[per-teyn]
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
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Related Words for pertains
relate, refer, apply, vest, belong, join, associate, regard, connect, combine, appertain, touch, affect, befit, concernExamples from the Web for pertains
Contemporary Examples of pertains
Americans exactingly measure everything that pertains to their material well-being.
But in fact, after age 16, as pertains to the Secret Service, they will be on their own.
But my takeaway from the evening pertains this time more to substance than to style.
Historical Examples of pertains
We now note the following, which pertains to their business.
The Book of KhalidAmeen Rihani
I receive packets from all quarters; it pertains to my office.
They have the same interest in all which pertains to good government.
"It pertains to heaven, not earth, my dear," said O'Gorman dryly.
Mary Louise in the CountryL. Frank Baum (AKA Edith Van Dyne)
Lara thoroughly comprehends Palestine and all that pertains to it.
TancredBenjamin Disraeli
pertain
verb (intr often foll by to)
Word Origin for pertain
C14: from Latin pertinēre, from per- (intensive) + tenēre to hold
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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pertain
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper