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Added 3 October 2026

pertain

/pəˈteɪn/ verb

Latin root: pertineō Wiktionary

verb Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about pertain at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

To belong to or be connected as a part, adjunct, attribute, or accessory.
That spare wheel pertains to this car.
To relate to, concern, or be relevant to.
That question doesn't pertain to the topic, so I'm not going to answer it.
To apply; to be or remain in place; to continue to be applicable.

Origin

From Middle English pertenen, from Old French partenir, pertenir (modern French appartenir), in turn from Latin pertineō, pertinēre.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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