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

Albuquerque is one of a dozen cities the Trump campaign has left with unpaid bills, the majority pertaining to overtime pay for first responders who worked the rallies, ABC reported after interviewing city officials.

From Salon

The doubts voters express pertain to her character as well as her vision.

From Salon

The BBC has seen a cease and desist letter against the singer earlier this week from another of Payne's former partners, Maya Henry, which "pertains to alleged egregious conduct".

From BBC

Glossip's lawyers argue that the prosecutors' conduct violated two Supreme Court decisions pertaining to due process, Brady v.

From Salon

All federal cases in the US are open to the public, except in rare circumstances when trials include sensitive information pertaining to national security.

From BBC

Related Words

• apply
• refer
• relate