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

But three other Republicans, including Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, who was key in advancing Kennedy’s nomination, joined Democrats in criticizing Kennedy’s actions, mostly pertaining to vaccine policy changes.

From Los Angeles Times

Reports have said the agents were looking for classified documents pertaining to national security.

From Salon

But as it pertains to Ohtani and this current Dodgers season, only one question really matters:

From Los Angeles Times

Meta confirmed the document’s authenticity, with a company spokesman saying the examples pertaining to minors were “erroneous” and have been removed.

From Salon

However, the pair are also expected to hold a bilateral meeting, with the White House saying they will discuss "a variety of topics pertaining to the US-UK relationship".

From BBC

Related Words

• apply 
• refer 
• relate