Pertain vs. Pertinent — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 28, 2024
"Pertain" is a verb meaning to be relevant or applicable to something, while "pertinent" is an adjective describing something that is relevant or applicable to a particular matter.
Difference Between Pertain and Pertinent
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Pertain" is used to describe the relationship or relevance of one thing to another, indicating a direct relevance or applicability. Whereas "pertinent" is used to qualify a noun, indicating that it is directly relevant or related to the matter at hand.
When something pertains to a subject, it is directly related or connected to it, often implying a belonging or an appropriate relation. On the other hand, when something is described as pertinent, it directly contributes to the matter being discussed, fitting or suitable to the context.
Usage of "pertain" often requires an object that it can relate to, as in showing how one concept is relevant to another. Whereas "pertinent" is used to modify nouns directly, marking them as relevant or appropriate without the need for an additional object.
The verb "pertain" implies action or a state of being in relation to something else, indicating a dynamic or situational relevance. In contrast, "pertinent" as an adjective provides a static description of relevance, indicating a characteristic or inherent quality of being relevant.
In essence, "pertain" is about the act or condition of being related to something, suggesting a relationship or connection. "Pertinent," however, describes the nature or quality of something as being relevant or applicable, marking it as suitably related to the topic or context.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Verb
Adjective
Meaning
To be relevant or applicable to something.
Directly relevant or applicable to a particular matter.
Usage Context
Indicates a relation or relevance of something to another.
Qualifies a noun as being relevant or appropriate to the matter at hand.
Implication
Suggests a dynamic or conditional relevance.
Describes an inherent quality of relevance or suitability.
Example
"The laws that pertain to online privacy protect consumers."
"The documents provided were pertinent to the case, offering crucial evidence."
Compare with Definitions
Pertain
To be connected or relevant to something.
The rules that pertain to club membership are strictly enforced.
Pertinent
Relevant or applicable to a particular matter.
She made several pertinent observations during the meeting.
Pertain
To relate directly to or be concerned with.
The information pertains to the case under investigation.
Pertinent
Having precise or logical relevance to the issue.
His comments were highly pertinent to the discussion.
Pertain
To belong as a part, member, accessory, or product.
The privileges that pertain to being a senior member of the team.
Pertinent
Appropriate in the circumstances.
The article was pertinent to our research topics.
Pertain
To have reference or relevance.
The data pertains to the study of migratory patterns.
Pertinent
Being of striking appropriateness.
He asked a question that was particularly pertinent to the debate.
Pertain
To be appropriate or applicable.
The laws that pertain to this issue are clear.
Pertinent
Suitably related to the matter at hand.
The lawyer presented all pertinent documents to the court.
Pertain
Pertain is a former commune in the Somme department in Hauts-de-France in northern France. On 1 January 2017, it was merged into the new commune Hypercourt.
Pertinent
Clearly related to a matter at hand.
Pertain
To have reference or relevance; relate
Evidence that pertains to the accident.
Pertinent
(legal) A right that attaches to land, in Scots law.
Pertain
To belong as an adjunct, part, holding, or quality
Skills that pertain to engineering.
Pertinent
Important with regard to (a subject or matter); pertaining; relevant.
Pertain
To be fitting or suitable
Conduct that pertains to an officer.
Pertinent
Belonging or related to the subject or matter in hand; fit or appropriate in any way; adapted to the end proposed; apposite; material; relevant; as, pertinent illustrations or arguments; pertinent evidence.
Pertain
(intransitive) To belong to or be a part of; be an adjunct, attribute, or accessory of.
That spare wheel pertains to this car.
Pertinent
Regarding; concerning; belonging; pertaining.
Pertain
(intransitive) To relate, to refer, be relevant to.
That question doesn't pertain to the topic, so I'm not going to answer it.
Pertinent
Having precise or logical relevance to the matter at hand;
A list of articles pertinent to the discussion
Remarks that were to the point
Pertain
(intransitive) To apply; to be or remain in place; to continue to be applicable.
Pertinent
Being of striking appropriateness and pertinence;
The successful copywriter is a master of apposite and evocative verbal images
An apt reply
Pertain
To belong; to have connection with, or dependence on, something, as an appurtenance, attribute, etc.; to appertain; as, saltness pertains to the ocean; flowers pertain to plant life.
Men hate those who affect that honor by ambition which pertaineth not to them.
Pertain
To have relation or reference to something.
These words pertain unto us at this time as they pertained to them at their time.
Pertain
Have to do with or be relevant to;
There were lots of questions referring to her talk
My remark pertained to your earlier comments
Pertain
Be a part or attribute of
Common Curiosities
Is "pertinent" always about relevance?
Yes, "pertinent" specifically refers to being directly relevant or applicable to the matter at hand.
How do "pertain" and "pertinent" relate to each other?
Both words deal with the concept of relevance or applicability, but "pertain" is about the act or condition of being relevant, while "pertinent" describes the quality of being relevant.
How is "pertinent" used in a sentence?
"Pertinent" is used as an adjective to describe something that is relevant or applicable to a particular matter.
How do you determine if something pertains to a topic?
It pertains to a topic if it has a direct connection, relation, or relevance to that topic.
What does "pertain" mean?
"Pertain" means to be relevant or applicable to something.
Can a fact be pertinent but not directly pertain to the main argument?
A fact can be considered pertinent if it provides context or supports the main argument, even if not directly related.
Can "pertain" and "pertinent" be used interchangeably?
Not directly, as "pertain" is a verb and "pertinent" is an adjective, serving different grammatical functions.
Can something pertain to a subject without being pertinent?
Generally, if something pertains to a subject, it is also considered pertinent, as both imply relevance.
What makes something pertinent?
Something is pertinent if it is directly relevant or applicable, and suitably related to the matter being discussed.
Are there different levels of being pertinent?
Yes, something can be more or less pertinent based on how directly relevant or closely related it is to the matter.
What is an example of something that pertains to a broader category?
Regulations that pertain to digital communications might cover a broad range of topics within that category.
How do you use "pertinent" in academic writing?
In academic writing, "pertinent" is used to highlight information that is crucial and directly relevant to the argument or research topic.
What's the difference between being pertinent and being relevant?
Being pertinent is a form of being relevant, specifically implying a direct and significant relevance to the matter at hand.
Can "pertain" refer to relationships between concepts?
Yes, "pertain" can indicate a relationship of relevance or applicability between different concepts.
Is it correct to say a law pertains to an individual?
Yes, if the law is relevant or applicable to the individual’s actions or situation.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
