What does pertinent mean?
Pertinent is a formal adjective meaning directly relevant, connected, or appropriate to the matter being discussed. A fact may be pertinent to an investigation, a question may be pertinent to an argument, and an observation may be pertinent to a decision. The word is especially useful when something is not merely related in a broad sense but has a clear, direct bearing on the point at issue. It can also describe something fitted to a particular purpose. In ordinary conversation, relevant is often the more familiar choice, while pertinent can sound precise, elevated, or deliberately formal. The term is common in legal, academic, professional, and editorial prose, where distinctions between related and directly relevant information matter. Its Latin origin conveys the idea of stretching or extending toward something, a fitting image for information that points directly toward the subject under consideration.
adjectiveRelevant or directly connected to the matter being considered. It can also mean fitting or appropriate in relation to a particular purpose.
- Relevant, connected, or bearing directly on the subject under discussion.
- Fitting or appropriate to a particular purpose or situation.
"The judge asked only for information pertinent to the case."
"Please keep your comments pertinent to the topic under discussion."
"The researcher included only those references that were pertinent to the study."
The word literally points toward the point: pertinent comes from Latin pertinere, meaning to stretch out toward or relate to.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pertinent come from?
Pertinent entered English in the early 17th century from Latin pertinent-, the present participle of pertinere, meaning “to stretch out to” or “to pertain.” The Latin verb is associated with per-, meaning “forward,” and tenere, meaning “to hold.” Related English words include pertain, impertinent, pertinacious, and pertinacity, all reflecting the same Latin family of ideas about connection, extension, and holding fast.
Related word forms
How pertinent is actually used
The word is formal and somewhat literary, especially in British English. It is often stronger than relevant in suggesting that something has a direct and clear connection to the issue at hand.
Easily confused with pertinent
Pertinent means relevant or appropriate, whereas impertinent usually means rude and disrespectful, though it can also mean irrelevant.