# pertain

> English word · Verb · IPA /pəˈteɪn/ · frequency rank #33,788

## Definitions
1. To belong to or be connected as a part, adjunct, attribute, or accessory.
2. To relate to, concern, or be relevant to.
3. To apply; to be or remain in place; to continue to be applicable.
4. To be appropriate or suitable.

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

## Easily confused with
- **Perrin** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/perrin-vs-pertain)

## Common misspellings (10)
`eprtain`, `peratin`, `perrtain`, `pertainn`, `pertani`, `pertian`, `perttain`, `petrain`, `ppertain`, `pretain`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/pertain