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

Over the last several years, McInerney and colleagues have explored the implications of that study as they pertain to vibration isolation.

From Science Daily • Oct. 18, 2025

Name, image, and likeness, or NIL, laws usually pertain to the rights of individuals, particularly student-athletes, to profit from their personal brand.

From Slate • Aug. 11, 2024

Plaintiffs will no longer be able to choose which judge hears their case due to a policy announced this week that will enforce random judge selection in civil suits that pertain to national legislation.

From Salon • Mar. 15, 2024

So I sit at the table in the kitchen and practice new vocabulary, purposely saying out loud the words that pertain to cooking.

From "Piecing Me Together" by Renée Watson

Related Words

• apply
• refer
• relate