Definition

1. Verb:
   • To belong to something as a part, attribute, or accessory: To be connected with or inherent to something.
   • To have reference or relation; to be relevant: To relate to, concern, or apply to a particular subject or matter.

Examples of Usage

• Verb:
  • The documents that pertain to the legal case are confidential. (The documents that relate to the legal case are confidential.)
  • Responsibilities pertaining to the manager's role are outlined in the contract. (Responsibilities belonging to the manager's role are outlined in the contract.)
  • My question pertains to the budget discussion we had yesterday. (My question is relevant to the budget discussion we had yesterday.)

Advanced Usage

• "as pertains to": A formal phrase meaning "concerning" or "with regard to".
  • The committee will review the evidence as pertains to the investigation. (The committee will review the evidence concerning the investigation.)

Variants and Related Words

• Pertaining (present participle/gerund): The act of being relevant or belonging to.
  • Please submit all documents pertaining to your application. (Please submit all documents relating to your application.)

Synonyms

• Relate to: To be connected or associated with.
• Concern: To be about or relevant to.
• Apply to: To be relevant or appropriate in a particular case.
• Belong to: To be a part or member of.

Related Phrases

• Pertaining to: Concerning, with reference to (often used to introduce the subject matter).
  • We received new guidelines pertaining to data security. (We received new guidelines concerning data security.)

Verb

1. be a part or attribute of
2. be relevant to
   • There were lots of questions referring to her talk
   • My remark pertained to your earlier comments