SYNONYMS AND RELATED EXPRESSIONS

pertain

verb

To relate to or concern something, usually in the phrase pertain to.

Compare the alternatives Definition and examples

Local English device voice, when available. This is not a recorded dictionary pronunciation.

Relate to the matter

Closest synonyms

relate to concern refer to bear on apply to appertain to

Related words and expressions

These extend or explain the idea and may require a different sentence structure.

Usage distinction

Pertain usually takes to; concern can take its object directly without to.

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Test this word in the Comprehensive Synonym Exam

CHECK THE MEANING IN CONTEXT

See pertain in use

The final two paragraphs pertain to the schedule rather than the budget.

Dictionary practice example.

Questions about room size and access times pertain to the building request, while complaints about an unrelated footpath require a separate discussion.

From A Request Reaches the Council.

Compare an alternative with the original word in each passage. Shared meanings do not make every pair interchangeable.

Synonym reference scope and sources

The groups distinguish the senses selected for this study entry. Closest synonyms and broader related expressions have separate labels. The listed sources support lexical selection; not every phrase is a direct quotation from a source.

Princeton WordNet 3.0: selected lexical senses

How the synonym reference was prepared / WordNet 3.0 license

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