Pertained Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pertained

[pษ™rหˆteษชnd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

related to

The term 'pertained' is the past tense of the verb 'pertain', which means to have a connection or relationship with something. It indicates that something is relevant or applicable to a particular issue or situation. For instance, one might say, 'The findings pertained to the study of climate change.' This suggests that the findings were related to or significant for the topic of climate change. Its use is common in formal contexts where clarity about the relationship between subjects is needed.

Synonyms

concerned, linked, related.

Examples of usage

  • The documents pertained to the legal case.
  • Her comments pertained to the recent changes in policy.
  • The research findings pertained to health and nutrition.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Legal Usage

  • In legal contexts, it often describes laws or regulations that apply to specific situations.
  • Documents like contracts frequently use the term to clarify which aspects are relevant.
  • Courts may interpret what information 'pertains' to a case to ensure fairness in legal proceedings.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers discuss how concepts pertain to reality, examining connections between ideas and existence.
  • The relationship between language and the things it describes often brings up questions of how meaning is derived.
  • The idea of relevance in discussions is crucial in ethical philosophy, where actions must pertain to moral principles.

Everyday Usage

  • People often use it in conversations to clarify how one topic relates to another, especially in academic settings.
  • The word appears frequently in lectures and research, as scholars delineate boundaries of their topics.
  • In writing, it helps to specify which aspects of a subject are significant, guiding the reader's focus.

Cultural References

  • In literature, characters' actions are often analyzed based on what they pertain to within their story arcs.
  • Art critiques frequently discuss how certain elements pertain to broader themes, such as identity and society.
  • Television and cinema explore how personal stories pertain to larger social narratives, resonating with audiences.

Origin of 'pertained'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'pertinere', which means 'to reach to' or 'to relate to'.
  • It entered the English language in the late 15th century, retaining a similar meaning through its transition.
  • The prefix 'per-' suggests thoroughness, while 'tendere' relates to stretching, reflecting its meaning of connection.

The word 'pertain' comes from the Latin verb 'pertinere', which means 'to reach to', 'to belong to', or 'to pertain to'. This Latin term is a combination of 'per-', meaning 'through', and 'tenere', meaning 'to hold'. The transition from Latin to Old French influenced its evolution into the English word 'pertain' during the late Middle Ages. It has retained a formal tone through the years, often used in legal, academic, and other formal writings to express the relevance of a subject matter. The past tense 'pertained' signifies the established connection or relevance in the past context.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,131, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.