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adjective Uncommon

pertaining

puh-TAY-nihng

Pertaining (adjective) means relating to or connected with something. Example: “She kept all the documents pertaining to the merger in one folder.”

adjective
1
Relating to or connected with something.
"She kept all the documents pertaining to the merger in one folder."

How to Use Pertaining

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe -ing form of pertain, almost always used as "pertaining to" meaning "relating to."

Common pairings
pertaining to

Word Forms

pertainings plural

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She kept all the documents _____ to the merger in one folder.

Related Words

Rhymes for pertaining

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “pertaining” mean?

The word “pertaining” means relating to or connected with something. In plain terms, the -ing form of pertain, almost always used as "pertaining to" meaning "relating to.".

How do you pronounce “pertaining”?

“Pertaining” is pronounced puh-TAY-nihng (/pɚˈteɪnɪŋ/ in IPA).

How do you use “pertaining” in a sentence?

Here is “pertaining” used in a sentence: “She kept all the documents pertaining to the merger in one folder.”

What part of speech is “pertaining”?

“Pertaining” is an adjective.

Is “pertaining” a common word?

“Pertaining” is an uncommon word in modern English.

What is the difference between "pertaining to" and "related to"?

"Pertaining to" and "related to" both mean connected with something, but "pertaining to" sounds more formal and precise, and it appears almost exclusively before a noun phrase, as in "documents pertaining to the case." "Related to" is more flexible and works in everyday speech as well as formal writing.

Is "pertaining" formal or informal?

"Pertaining" is a formal word, common in legal, academic, and official writing rather than casual conversation. In everyday speech, people usually say "about" or "relating to" instead.

How is "pertaining" used correctly in a sentence?

"Pertaining" almost always appears in the fixed phrase "pertaining to," immediately followed by a noun or noun phrase, such as "rules pertaining to safety." It is not typically used on its own or followed by "with" or "for."

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