Meanings
-
1
verb
to relate to or be relevant to a particular subject or situation
These regulations pertain only to commercial vehicles.
-
2
verb
to belong to something as a part, attribute, or accessory
The rights that pertain to ownership also carry legal duties.
Thesaurus
Etymology
From Middle English pertenen, through Old French partenir or pertenir, from Latin pertinere ('to reach, extend to, concern'), formed from per- ('through') + tenere ('to hold'). The modern construction commonly appears as pertain to.