English Dictionary

Definition of “pertain

pertain (pəˈteɪnPronunciation for pertain

Definitions

verb

(intr)

often foll by

to 
  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 Origin

C14: from Latin pertinēre,  from per-  (intensive) + tenēre to hold

Usage examples

  • Unless the illustration did not pertain to that part of the text.
    Robin Hobb, THE GOLDEN FOOL: Book Two of the Tawny Man (2002)
  • Critics says this is because they know they won't have the power to summon Baba to court--the allegations pertain to Indian jurisdiction.
    India Today (2000)
  • Several of the charges pertain to two children from an orphanage.
    SA Star (2005)
  • Similar observations pertain to much of the rest of the world but to a somewhat lesser extent than to the United States.
    Times, Sunday Times (2002)
  • Wu and Chi, which pertain to Earth and the Centre, are omitted from the scheme.
    Walters, Derek, Chinese Astrology (1987)

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