What does pertain mean?
Pertain is a formal verb meaning to relate to, concern, or be relevant to a particular subject, matter, or person. It is most often used with the preposition “to,” producing the phrase “pertain to,” and appears frequently in legal, academic, governmental, and administrative writing. The word can indicate that a rule or requirement applies to a specified person or situation, as when regulations pertain to workplace safety, or that a discussion has a direct connection to a broader issue. Its tone is precise and impersonal, making it especially useful when expressing formal relationships between concepts. In everyday conversation, “relate to,” “concern,” or “apply to” will often sound more natural. Pertain also conveys the idea of belonging within the scope or structure of something, although this less-common sense is usually expressed in the same construction.
verbTo be related to or relevant to a particular subject, matter, or person. The phrase “pertain to” is commonly used in formal and legal contexts.
- To relate to, concern, or be relevant to a particular subject or matter.
- To belong to or form part of something, especially as a right, duty, or feature.
"Several regulations pertain to the safety of the building."
"The question of funding pertains to the broader debate about the project's future."
"These duties pertain to every member of the organization."
When something pertains to a subject, it is directly connected to it—often in the formal language of law and administration.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pertain come from?
Pertain comes through Anglo-French from Latin pertinere, a compound of the prefix per- and the verb tenere, meaning “to hold.” Its sense developed from the idea of extending or applying to something. The root is shared by related English words such as pertinent, pertinence, pertinacious, and impertinent.
Related word forms
How pertain is actually used
This word is formal and especially common in legal, academic, and administrative contexts. It is usually used with the preposition “to,” as in “pertain to.”
Easily confused with pertain
Pertain is a verb meaning to relate to or apply to something, whereas pertinent is an adjective meaning relevant or appropriate.