Dictionary

pertain

verb per·tain \pər-ˈtān\

: to relate to someone or something : to have a connection to a person or thing

Full Definition of PERTAIN

intransitive verb
1
a (1) :  to belong as a part, member, accessory, or product (2) :  to belong as an attribute, feature, or function <the destruction pertaining to war> (3) :  to belong as a duty or right <rights that pertain to fatherhood>
b :  to be appropriate to something <which rule pertains?>
2
:  to have reference <books pertaining to birds>
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Origin of PERTAIN

Middle English perteinen, from Anglo-French partenir, purteiner, from Latin pertinēre to reach to, belong, from per- through + tenēre to hold — more at thin
First Known Use: 14th century

Related to PERTAIN

PERTAIN Defined for Kids

pertain

verb per·tain \pər-ˈtān\
per·tainedper·tain·ing

Definition of PERTAIN for Kids

1
:  to relate to a person or thing <The laws pertain to hunting.>
2
:  to belong to as a part, quality, or function <These duties pertain to the office of sheriff.>

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