pertinent

[ pur-tn-uhnt ]

adjective

1. pertaining or relating directly and significantly to the matter at hand; relevant:

   pertinent details.

   Synonyms: suitable, fit, fitting, applicable, appropriate

   Antonyms: irrelevant

pertinent

/ ˈpɜːtɪnənt /

adjective

1. relating to the matter at hand; relevant

Derived Forms

• ˈpertinently, adverb
• ˈpertinence, noun

Other Words From

• per·ti·nence [pur, -tn-, uh, ns], per·ti·nen·cy [pur, -tn-, uh, n-see], noun
• per·ti·nent·ly adverb
• non·per·ti·nent adjective
• non·per·ti·nent·ly adverb
• un·per·ti·nent adjective
• un·per·ti·nent·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of pertinent¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin pertinent- (stem of pertinēns ), present participle of pertinēre “to be applicable, pertain”; pertain, -ent

Word History and Origins

Origin of pertinent¹

C14: from Latin pertinēns, from pertinēre to pertain

Synonym Study

See apt.

Example Sentences

A more pertinent subsea sound was detected by the US Navy’s sonar system at the time the sub went missing - an acoustic signal consistent with an implosion.

From BBC

Alison Ashworth, a senior solicitor advocate in motoring law, explained the number of penalty points were "not necessarily a pertinent consideration" when it comes to these arguments.

From BBC

Major League Baseball has objected, saying in a court filing last week that an alleged failure to disclose pertinent data leaves MLB concerned about what it called the “substantial likelihood that the debtors will find themselves once again in financial distress and/or bankruptcy court in the near future.”

From Los Angeles Times

That is particularly pertinent given their commissioner Greg Norman has admitted that the absence of a big network contract has provided considerable “headwinds” against LIV’s development.

From BBC

And, the investigation found, the department has omitted pertinent facts about the deaths in communications to the families of the dead and to the public.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• admissible
• applicable
• appropriate
• germane
• opportune
• related