pertain

UK: /pə^rˈteɪn/ US: /pɚˈteɪn/ ,(pər tān′)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

per•tain /pɚˈteɪn/   v. [~ + to + object]

1. to have reference or relation to (something);
   relate:
   documents pertaining to the lawsuit.
2. to belong properly or fittingly to;
   be appropriate to:
   [not: be + ~-ing] responsibilities pertaining to parenthood.

See -tain-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

per•tain  (pər tān′), v.i. 

1. to have reference or relation;
   relate:
   documents pertaining to the lawsuit.
2. to belong or be connected as a part, adjunct, possession, or attribute.
3. to belong properly or fittingly;
   be appropriate.

• Latin pertinēre to be applicable, literally, to hold through, reach, equivalent. to per- per- + -tinēre, combining form of tenēre to hold
• Middle French partein-, tonic stem of partenir
• Middle English pertenen, partenen, perteinen 1300–50

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

pertain / pəˈteɪn/ verb (intransitive) often followed by to:

1. to have reference, relation, or relevance: issues pertaining to women
2. to be appropriate: the product pertains to real user needs
3. to belong (to) or be a part (of); be an adjunct, attribute, or accessory (of)

Etymology: 14th Century: from Latin pertinēre, from per- (intensive) + tenēre to hold