Pertain

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -eɪn

Origin

From Old French partenir (French: appartenir), in turn from Latin pertineō.

Full definition of pertain

Verb

1. (intransitive) to belong
2. (intransitive) to relate, to refer, be relevant to

Usage notes

In all the above senses, pertain is followed by to (or formerly by unto, as in The King James Version of The Bible and in the plays of Shakespeare, although to is used in these works as well).

Synonyms

• appertain

Antonyms

• be irrelevant

Anagrams

• painter
• pine tar
• repaint