Pertain
To relate to or have relevance to something; to be applicable to a subject.
verbPertain
To relate to or have relevance to something; to be applicable to a subject.
verbImagine This
Imagine a project checklist where each item has a small note reading 'pertains to this project.' An item only stays on the list if it truly relates to the project—if it doesn’t, it’s crossed out as not pertaining.
Sounds Like
pur-TAYN
Looks Like
Resembles related words such as pertinent or relate; shares the same root meaning of relevance.
Remember This
Pertains is the verb form meaning 'relates to'; the related adjective is pertinent (meaning relevant); common phrases include 'pertains to' and 'bear on.'
Other Forms
Connect With
relate, bear on, concern, have to do with, be relevant to, appertain to
Note
Always followed by 'to' (e.g., These rules pertain to taxation). The noun form is pertinence and the adjective form is pertinent; remember that pertain is a verb, not an adjective.