pertinent
PUH-tih-nuhnt
Pertinent (adjective) means Directly relevant to the matter at hand. Example: “She asked a pertinent question that got right to the heart of the issue.”
adjective
1
Directly relevant to the matter at hand.
"She asked a pertinent question that got right to the heart of the issue."
"Please include any pertinent details in your report."
How to use pertinent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRelevant and on-topic — the opposite of beside the point.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "impertinent," which means rude or disrespectful — nearly the opposite in feel despite the similar spelling.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
pertinent information
pertinent question
pertinent to the discussion
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Word forms
- Plural
- pertinents
- Comparative
- more pertinent
- Superlative
- most pertinent
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She asked a _____ question that got right to the heart of the issue.
Etymology
From Old French pertinent and Latin pertinens, the present participle of pertinere ("to pertain, be relevant to").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for pertinent
See all rhymes for pertinent →Frequently asked questions
What does “pertinent” mean?
The word “pertinent” means directly relevant to the matter at hand. In plain terms, relevant and on-topic — the opposite of beside the point.
How do you pronounce “pertinent”?
“Pertinent” is pronounced PUH-tih-nuhnt (/ˈpɚtɪnənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “pertinent” in a sentence?
Here is “pertinent” used in a sentence: “She asked a pertinent question that got right to the heart of the issue.”
What is the opposite of “pertinent”?
The opposite of “pertinent” — its antonyms — is irrelevant.
What part of speech is “pertinent”?
“Pertinent” is an adjective.
Where does the word “pertinent” come from?
The word “pertinent” comes from Latin. From Old French pertinent and Latin pertinens, the present participle of pertinere ("to pertain, be relevant to").
Is “pertinent” a common word?
“Pertinent” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
