Word
pertinent
Phoneticsper·ti·nent, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpɝtɪnɪnt/
UK/pˈɜːtɪnənt/
Definitions
01relevant
C1 · Advanced Formal · Academic
adj. directly related to the subject you are talking about or considering.
adj. relevant or applicable to a particular matter; apposite. Often used in professional or academic contexts to describe evidence or questions.
“The lawyer asked several pertinent questions about where the witness was that night.”
“The researcher struggled to find pertinent data that specifically addressed the long-term environmental impact of the new chemical plant.”
Usage
Often followed by the preposition 'to'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02legal right to land
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Law Technical · Dialect
n. a legal term for a right or a piece of land that belongs to a larger property.
n. a right or adjunct that attaches to a primary piece of land. This is a specific technical term within the Scottish legal system.
“The sale of the farm included the house, the fields, and all other pertinents.”
“The deed clearly outlined the principal lands along with the pertinents, ensuring no ambiguity regarding the grazing rights on the adjacent hill.”
Usage
Primarily used in the plural form 'pertinents'.
Teaching tip
This sense is restricted to Scots law; general learners should focus on the adjective sense meaning 'relevant'.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “pertinent” in context.
Adjective
01. particularly pertinent
“His observations on the current economic climate were particularly pertinent to our discussion.”
adv + adj
02. pertinent information
“Please ensure that you include all pertinent information in your application form.”
adj + noun
03. pertinent question
“The journalist asked a very pertinent question about the company's environmental policy.”
adj + noun
Real-World Examples
“Police services across the country are now more willing to release mugshots and other pertinent information.” “Khan Sr’s comment that Arbeloa “believes in giving young players a chance” is pertinent for Fulham’s change in direction.” Etymology
Inherited from Middle English pertinent, borrowed from Old French pertinent and Latin pertinēns, pertinentem.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- 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
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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