verb

pertain

per-TAYN/pərˈteɪn/

To relate or apply to something.

The selected map pertains to the geography lesson.

A teacher selects a map directly related to the geography lesson while unrelated objects sit aside.

Etymology

“Through” and “hold” combine in a Latin verb whose meanings included reaching, belonging, and having reference to something. The selected sense preserves that connection to a subject or concern.

In context

Out On Film48:52

we agreed that she would see all the footage that pertain to her. So, anytime somebody talks about her or she appears in footage, she she saw that footage

A Conversation with the Directors of "A Litany for Survival: The Life and Work of Audre Lorde"

More examples

The question pertains to the second part of the report.
She gathered documents pertaining to the sale.
The comment did not pertain to our discussion.

Forms

pertain · pertains · pertained · pertaining

Similar words

relate: Relate is the ordinary equivalent for having a connection; pertain is more formal and often takes to.
apply: Apply means be relevant or valid; pertain can simply mean concern a subject.