pertain

/pərˈteɪn/

/pəˈteɪn/

Other forms: pertaining; pertains; pertained

To pertain is to be relevant or somehow associated with something. If you're a lawyer, you try to find evidence that will pertain to the case and eliminate anything that is not connected.

Behind the verb pertain lies the Latin verb pertinēre, which means "to be applicable" or "to hold through." If you think the rules of the road don't pertain to you, try explaining that to the state trooper when you get pulled over. Usage note: The word pertain often takes an s at the end, as in "That pertains to this matter," but loses it with a helper: “That doesn’t pertain to it.”

Definitions of pertain

1. verb

   be relevant to
   “My remark pertained to your earlier comments”

   synonyms: bear on, come to, concern, have-to doe with, refer, relate, touch, touch on

   advert, allude, touch

   make a more or less disguised reference to

   types:

   center, center on, concentrate on, focus on, revolve about, revolve around

   center upon

   apply, go for, hold

   be pertinent or relevant or applicable

   affect, involve, regard

   connect closely and often incriminatingly

   interest, matter to

   be of importance or consequence to

   implicate

   bring into intimate and incriminating connection

   fascinate, intrigue

   cause to be interested or curious
2. verb

   be a part or attribute of
   synonyms: appertain

   type of:

   belong, belong to

   be a part or adjunct