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pertain


per·tain

verb \pər-ˈtān\

Definition of PERTAIN

intransitive verb
1
a (1) : to belong as a part, member, accessory, or product (2) : to belong as an attribute, feature, or function <the destruction pertaining to war> (3) : to belong as a duty or right <rights that pertain to fatherhood> b : to be appropriate to something <which rule pertains?>
2
: to have reference <books pertaining to birds>

Examples of PERTAIN

  1. books pertaining to the country's history
  2. <the belief that quality medical care is a right that pertains to everyone>

Origin of PERTAIN

Middle English perteinen, from Anglo-French partenir, purteiner, from Latin pertinēre to reach to, belong, from per- through + tenēre to hold — more at thin
First Known Use: 14th century

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