WordValepertain
to be relevant or applicable
In more detail
1. (verb) to be connected or related to something
2. (verb) to belong to someone or something as a part, quality, or right
Examples
- 1. The new safety rules pertain to all employees in the factory.
- 2. The land pertains to the estate and cannot be sold separately.
How to use pertain
Pertain is a formal verb used to indicate that something is connected with, relevant to, or belongs to someone or something. It is commonly found in legal, academic, and formal contexts. It is more formal than 'relate to' or 'concern' and often emphasizes a formal or official connection rather than a casual one.
Common phrases
- pertain to a matter
- pertain to someone's rights
- matters that pertain to
- information that pertains to
- rights and privileges that pertain to
Synonyms
concern · relate to · apply to · belong to · appertain to
Word family
pertaining · pertinent · impertinent
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse 'pertain to' with 'pertain' used without a preposition; the verb almost always requires 'to' (e.g., 'this pertains to your account', not 'this pertains your account').
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