verb
pertain
puh-TAYN
Pertain (verb) means to relate to or be relevant to something. Example: “These rules pertain only to full-time employees.”
verb
1
To relate to or be relevant to something.
"These rules pertain only to full-time employees."
"The question pertains to last week's lecture."
2
To belong to something as a part, feature, or accessory.
"Certain privileges pertain to the role of team captain."
How to use pertain
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo be connected to or relevant to a particular subject.
When to use it
Formal; common in legal and official writing ("insofar as it pertains to...").
Common pairings
pertain to
as it pertains to
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- pertains
- Past tense
- pertained
Fill the gap
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These rules _____ only to full-time employees.
Etymology
From Old French partenir/pertenir, from Latin pertinere ("to extend to, belong to"), from per- ("through") + tenere ("to hold").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
be irrelevant
have no business
not concern
Related words
Rhymes for pertain
See all rhymes for pertain →Frequently asked questions
What does “pertain” mean?
The word “pertain” means to relate to or be relevant to something. In plain terms, to be connected to or relevant to a particular subject.
How do you pronounce “pertain”?
“Pertain” is pronounced puh-TAYN (/pɚˈteɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “pertain” in a sentence?
Here is “pertain” used in a sentence: “These rules pertain only to full-time employees.”
What is another word for “pertain”?
Words with a similar meaning to “pertain” include appertain, affect, bear upon, bear on, concern and impact.
What is the opposite of “pertain”?
The opposite of “pertain” — its antonyms — are be irrelevant, have no business and not concern.
What part of speech is “pertain”?
“Pertain” is a verb.
Where does the word “pertain” come from?
The word “pertain” comes from Latin. From Old French partenir/pertenir, from Latin pertinere ("to extend to, belong to"), from per- ("through") + tenere ("to hold").
How many meanings does “pertain” have?
“Pertain” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to relate to or be relevant to something.
