Pertains
/pərˈteɪnz/
verbB2third person singular present tense
Definition
"Pertain" means to have a connection or relationship with something. It is often used when talking about information, rules, or facts that are relevant to a particular subject or situation. For example, a rule that pertains to safety is a rule connected to safety.
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See It in Action
To be related or connected to something
- •The documents pertain to the new project.
- •His questions pertain to the main topic of the meeting.
- •Laws that pertain to driving safety are important for all drivers.
To have relevance or importance to a subject
- •The information pertains to your application.
- •Comments that pertain to the issue will be considered.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "pertains" like "belongs," but more formal and used for ideas or topics, not physical things
- ✓Picture a puzzle piece fitting exactly into a certain place because it belongs there
- ✓It's the feeling when you hear information that clearly fits the subject you are discussing
- ✓Sounds like "per-TAINS" → imagine someone holding important papers that belong to a specific case or topic
- ✓Think of a school subject: rules that pertain to math are the rules that are about math, not about other subjects
- ✓NOT like "ignore" (not related), "pertains" means it is connected and important to the subject
- ✓NOT like "belongs" for objects, "pertains" is mostly for ideas, facts, or rules that connect to a topic
Try Other Words
- •Concern: to be about or involve (Use when the topic or rule is about something, often in emotional or personal contexts)
- •Apply: to be relevant or suitable (Use when a rule or fact fits a situation or person)
- •Refer to: to mention or be about (Use when pointing out connection to a subject)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "per-" (through, thoroughly) + "tain" (from Latin "tenere," meaning to hold) → literally "to hold through" or "to belong to"
- •Etymology: From Latin "pertinere," meaning to reach or relate to something
- •Historical development: Used since the 1500s in English to mean "to relate to" or "to have reference to"
- •Modern usage: Common in formal or legal language to show connection or relevance to a subject or matter
Reflect & Connect
•How do you decide if information pertains to a topic you are studying or discussing?
•Can something pertain to more than one subject at the same time? How would you explain that?
Fill in the blanks
1.The rules that pertain to workplace safety must be followed ___ to avoid accidents.
2.His questions pertain ___ the new policy changes announced yesterday.
3.Not all comments in the meeting pertain ___ the main discussion; some were off-topic.
4.When you write a report, make sure all information pertains ___ the subject clearly.
5.Documents that pertain ___ the contract need to be reviewed carefully.
6.The evidence presented in court pertains ___ the defendant's actions during the event.
7.Sometimes, details that pertain ___ one part of a project can also affect other parts.