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.

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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)

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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

Yet the most haunting contested claim of Moy’s life did not pertain to music.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

You know, the ones conditioned to believe that honesty, fairness and yes, the rule of law pertain to everyone and that sports should be the crucible of good character that defines us forever?

From Salon • Jun. 13, 2025

Already, the state has filed or joined nearly 50 legal actions against the current administration, at least seven of which pertain to the environment.

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2025

Its insights pertain to the complex rules that govern the processes that emerge when millions of synapses undergo plasticity under in vivo conditions -- like in the living brain.

From Science Daily • Nov. 21, 2024

“How does that pertain to the ripping down of my house, James?”

From "Chains" by Laurie Halse Anderson

Related Words

• apply
• refer
• relate