To pertain is to be relevant or somehow associated with something. If you're a lawyer, you try to find evidence that will pertain to the case and eliminate anything that is not connected.

Behind the verb pertain lies the Latin verb pertinēre, which means "to be applicable" or "to hold through." If you think the rules of the road don't pertain to you, try explaining that to the state trooper when you get pulled over. Usage note: The word pertain often takes an s at the end, as in "That pertains to this matter," but loses it with a helper: “That doesn’t pertain to it.”

Definitions of pertain

v be relevant to

“My remark pertained to your earlier comments”
bear on, come to, concern, have-to doe with, refer, relate, touch, touch on
advert, allude, touch
make a more or less disguised reference to
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center, center on, concentrate on, focus on, revolve about, revolve around
center upon
apply, go for, hold
be pertinent or relevant or applicable
affect, involve, regard
connect closely and often incriminatingly
interest, matter to
be of importance or consequence
bring into intimate and incriminating connection
fascinate, intrigue
cause to be interested or curious

v be a part or attribute of

Type of:
belong, belong to
be a part or adjunct

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