Word
pertain
Phoneticsper·tain, stress on the second syllable
US/pɝˈteɪn/
UK/pətˈeɪn/
Definition
v. to be related to or belong to a specific person, thing, or subject. You use this when you want to say something is about a particular topic.
v. to be related to or belong to a specific person, thing, or subject. Often used in formal or legal contexts to establish a connection between two entities.
Examples
“This question pertains to your recent application.”
“The legal team explained that the new rules pertain to how the company handles customer data.”
“While the initial findings pertain to the chemical properties of the substance, the long-term implications remain a subject of intense debate among the scientific community.”
Examples
simple
“This question pertains to your recent application.”
contextual
“The legal team explained that the new rules pertain to how the company handles customer data.”
complex
“While the initial findings pertain to the chemical properties of the substance, the long-term implications remain a subject of intense debate among the scientific community.”
Real-World Examples
“One of the sources said the order would pertain to country-of-origin labeling for beef.” “The laws pertain to filming and recording and is just like those for normal mobile phones that also have this ability.” Etymology
From Middle English pertenen, from Old French partenir, pertenir (modern French appartenir), in turn from Latin pertineō, pertinēre.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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