pertaining
UK[pəˈteɪnɪŋ]US[pərˈteɪnɪŋ]
v
To be appropriate, related, or applicable to something.
v
To belong to something as a part, accessory, or attribute.
Morpheme Breakdown
per
tain
ing
per
through, thoroughly
tain
hold, keep
ing
present participle suffix
Etymology
The word 'pertaining' originates from the Latin verb pertinēre, which is a compound of per- ("through, thoroughly") and tenēre ("to hold"). The literal sense was "to hold through to" or "to reach to," implying a continuous connection or extension. This evolved in Old French as partenir, carrying the meaning of "to belong to" or "to relate to." In English, the present participle form 'pertaining' specifically denotes the state or action of being relevant, appropriate, or belonging to a subject, thus maintaining the core idea of a sustained and thorough connection.
Analysis
Structure: per (through, thoroughly) + tain (hold, keep) + ing (present participle suffix)
- per: A Latin preposition and prefix meaning "through," "thoroughly," or "completely."
- tain: A root derived from the Latin verb tenēre, meaning "to hold," "to keep," or "to have."
- ing: A suffix from Old English -ende or -unge, used to form the present participle of verbs.
Examples
The documents pertaining to the case were submitted as evidence.
The discussion was strictly pertaining to the agenda items.
Responsibilities pertaining to the role are outlined in the contract.