English Reference
verb · noun

pertaining

v. · n.
US /pɝˈteɪnɪŋ/ UK /pətˈeɪnɪŋ/ per·tain·ing

  1. 01 C1 Advanced FormalAcademic

    v.relating to or being connected to a particular subject or situation.

    v.relating to or being relevant to a specific matter. This sense is almost always followed by the preposition 'to'.

    Simple

    The lawyer asked for all documents pertaining to the case.

    In context

    The committee reviewed all evidence pertaining to the environmental impact of the proposed construction project.

    Usage

    Always used with the preposition 'to' when connecting to a subject.

  2. 02 C2 Proficiency FormalTechnical Law

    n.things that belong to or are part of something else.

    n.objects, rights, or features that are associated with or belong to a principal object or property.

    Simple

    The sale of the house includes the garden and all its pertainings.

    In context

    The deed clearly outlines the transfer of the primary estate along with all its historical pertainings and land rights.

    Usage

    Usually appears in the plural form in legal or architectural contexts.

    appurtenanceaccessory

The lawyers' letter stated that the report was "the product of an in-depth journalistic investigations and is based on sources pertaining to an issue of paramount public importance".

BBC News· 10 Sept 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated