Speakur

Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

pertain

/pɚˈteɪn/

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 2.88 in modern English

Syllables
per-tain
IPA
/pɚˈteɪn/
9
Scrabble Score
7
Letters
2
Syllables
7
Unique Chars

Meaning

verb

To belong to or be connected as a part, adjunct, attribute, or accessory.

Intransitive verb

verb

To relate to, concern, or be relevant to.

Intransitive verb

verb

To apply; to be or remain in place; to continue to be applicable.

Intransitive verb

verb

To be appropriate or suitable.

Example Sentences

Etymology

From Middle English pertenen, from Old French partenir, pertenir (modern French appartenir), in turn from Latin pertineō, pertinēre.

Origin

Word Breakdown

  • Root: *ten-, pertenen, partenir, pertineo

Regional Pronunciation

  • American English: /pɚˈteɪn/
  • British English: /pəˈteɪn/

Usage

Inflected Forms

pertains (present, singular) pertaining (participle, present) pertained (participle, past) pertained (past)

Derived Forms

pertainment pertainym unpertaining

Phrases

pertinently (adverb}}

Frequently Paired Words

pertinent pertinence pertinency pertinently (adverb}}

Synonyms

belong relate concern apply suit befit appertain affect bear upon bear on impact involve

Antonyms

be irrelevant have no business not concern

Rhymes With

main pain campaign train brain explain remain gain plane rain chain maintain

Questions

How do you pronounce pertain?
The recorded pronunciation is /pɚˈteɪn/.
What does pertain mean?
To belong to or be connected as a part, adjunct, attribute, or accessory.
Where does pertain come from?
It is traced to Middle English.

How to pronounce pertain

  1. Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “pertain”.
  2. Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/pɚˈteɪn/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
  3. Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “pertain”.
  4. Repeat and practice — Say “pertain” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.