pertain
gb/pɚtˈeɪn/ us/pɚtˈeɪn/
C1
English
~ 5200
Senses
0 senses
Verb
formal
C1
relation
1
to relate to; be about
to be about something or have a clear connection to it
Usage pattern:
pertain to [something]
Common mistake:
Learners often omit the preposition and say *"This rule pertains this case"* instead of *"pertains to this case"*. Another mistake is using *pertain* in very casual speech where *"be about"* or *"relate to"* is more natural. Learners may also confuse *pertain* with *retain* or *contain* because of similar spelling.
Synonyms
relate to (More common and less formal; used in all kinds of speech and writing.)
|
concern (Suggests being about something, often when that thing is a problem or area of responsibility.)
Antonyms
be irrelevant to (Describes something that has no meaningful connection with the subject.)
|
be unrelated to (States clearly that there is no connection between two things.)
Collocations
pertain to
|information that pertains to
|questions pertaining to
|matters pertaining to
|documents pertaining to
|issues that pertain to
Themes
language
|communication
|business
|education
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- These regulations pertain to all employees who work with sensitive data.
- His research primarily pertains to climate change in urban areas.
- The final section of the report pertains to future funding options.
- Only questions that pertain to the topic will be accepted during the Q&A session.
- The documents you requested pertain to last year's financial results.
Learner examples
- These rules pertain to students in the library.
- The book pertains to life in a big city.
- My question does not pertain to this class.
- The email pertains to your job interview tomorrow.
- The new law pertains to car safety.
Verb
formal
C1
relation
2
to belong as a part/right
to belong to someone or something as a normal part or right
Usage pattern:
pertain to [someone/something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use this sense where simple *belong to* is better in everyday speech. They may also confuse this sense with the more common *"relate to"* sense and overuse it in contexts that are not formal, legal, or institutional.
Synonyms
belong to (More general and much more common; not restricted to formal or legal style.)
|
be attached to (Emphasizes being formally connected, often as an official part or feature.)
Antonyms
not apply to (Shows that a right, duty, or part does not belong to a particular person or group.)
|
be separate from (Focuses on not being a part of something.)
Collocations
rights that pertain to
|duties that pertain to
|powers pertaining to
|privileges that pertain to
|benefits pertaining to
|roles that pertain to
Themes
law
|society
|business
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The rights that pertain to citizens are listed in the first section of the constitution.
- This company will honor all benefits that pertain to your current position.
- The duties pertaining to this office include overseeing the annual budget.
- All privileges pertaining to membership will be suspended during the investigation.
- Certain risks pertain to this kind of investment by its very nature.
Learner examples
- These rights pertain to every worker in the company.
- Several duties pertain to the role of team leader.
- Health benefits pertain to full-time staff only.
- Many problems pertain to life in big cities.
- Special rules pertain to foreign visitors.
Grammar
Dictionary form
pertain
IPA
GB/pɚtˈeɪn/
US/pɚtˈeɪn/
Syllables & stress
per - tain (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (per)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: pertain
- 3rd Person Singular: pertains
- Present Participle: pertaining
- Past: pertained
Word family
Forms
pertains
verb
pertaining
verb
pertained
verb
Core family
pertinent
adjective C1
Related words
pertinence
noun
pertinently
adverb
Negative and opposite forms
impertinent
adjective C1
impertinence
noun
Expressions
pertain to
1/pɚtˈeɪn tə/
fixed phrase
formal
to be clearly connected with
to be about something or have a clear connection with it
Examples
- The new policy does not pertain to part-time employees.
- Most of these questions pertain to the software update.
- All the documents you need pertain to last year's tax return.