pertain

Everyday

1. (formal) «Pertain to»: to be about, be connected with, or belong to something (the rules pertaining to safety). tree →
2. (formal) To be true or to apply in a certain situation. tree →

In the lessons

A stiff formal and exam word: «questions pertaining to fractions» = questions about fractions. Found in rules, official letters and legal texts. Phrases: «pertain to», «pertaining to».

Examples

• Read the rules pertaining to the swimming pool. tree →
• The questions pertain to the story we read. tree →
• Information pertaining to the trip will be sent home. tree →
• These laws pertain to all drivers. tree →
• Does this pertain to me? tree →
• Please answer only the questions that pertain to your group. tree →

Note

Very formal; everyday: «be about», «relate to», «apply to». Always followed by «to». Related: «pertinent» (relevant, to the point).

In Jewish tradition

It means to belong to or be connected with, as with offerings that belong to the LORD. It can also mean to belong to a place or person, such as cities belonging to Judah, or to be about a matter, such as things about God.

Interpretation. Tradition teaches that something that belongs to God, like a peace-offering, must be eaten only in a state of purity.

Examples

• But the soul that eateth of the flesh of the sacrifice of peace-offerings, that pertain unto the LORD, having his uncleanness upon him, that soul shall be cut off from his people. (Torah LEV.7.20, JPS 1917) tree →
• And he took the fortified cities which pertained to Judah, and came unto Jerusalem. (Writings 2CH.12.4, JPS 1917) tree →
• the son of Hesed, in Arubboth; to him pertained Socoh, and all the land of Hepher; (Prophets 1KI.4.10, JPS 1917) tree →
• all these were the sons of Heman the king's seer in the things pertaining to God, to lift up the horn. (Writings 1CH.25.5, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Very formal; everyday: «be about», «relate to», «apply to». Always followed by «to». Related: «pertinent» (relevant, to the point).