pertain
UK[pəˈteɪn]US[pərˈteɪn]
v
to relate to or have a connection with something
v
to be appropriate or suitable to something
Morpheme Breakdown
per
tain
per
through, thoroughly
tain
to hold
Etymology
the verb "pertain" originates from the latin word pertinēre, which is a compound of the prefix per- ("through, thoroughly") and the verb tenēre ("to hold, to have"). the literal sense of the latin verb was "to hold through to something" or "to reach to something," conveying a strong, continuous connection. this concrete notion of holding on or extending through evolved into the abstract meanings of belonging to, relating to, or being appropriate for something. the word entered english via old french partenir in the late 14th century, carrying with it the core logic of a thorough and inherent connection.
Analysis
Structure: per (through, thoroughly) + tain (to hold)
- per: a prefix from latin, meaning "through", "thoroughly", or "completely". it functions as an intensifier in this word.
- tain: a root from latin tenēre, meaning "to hold", "to keep", or "to have". it forms the core semantic element of the word.
Examples
the documents pertaining to the legal case were sealed.
the rules pertaining to student conduct are clearly outlined in the handbook.
his remarks did not pertain to the main topic of our discussion.