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pertain

Pronunciation: /pəˈteɪn/

Definition of pertain

verb

[no object]
  • 1 (pertain to) be appropriate, related, or applicable to:matters pertaining to the organization of government
  • chiefly Law belong to something as a part, appendage, or accessory:the shop premises and stock and all assets pertaining to the business
  • 2 formal be in effect or existence in a specified place or at a specified time:their economic circumstances are vastly different from those which pertained in their land of origin

Origin:

late Middle English: from Old French partenir, from Latin pertinere 'extend to, have reference to', from per- 'through' + tenere 'to hold'

pertain in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of pertain in the US English dictionary

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