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

To relate to or be relevant to something.

"These rules pertain only to full-time employees."

"The question pertains to last week's lecture."

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 notes

In 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

Word forms

pertained past tense, pertains singular

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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").

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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appertain affect bear upon bear on concern impact involve refer regard relate touch

Antonyms

be irrelevant have no business not concern

Related words

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Rhymes for pertain

ain rain pain lain gain main vain fain bain Iain Jain Cain

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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.

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