How to pronounce pertain
Say it like per-TAYN. Pertain has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TAYN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce pertain. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- per
- TAYN
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Pertain pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- perKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- TAYNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of pertain
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: puh-TAYN.
What does pertain mean?
- To belong to or be connected as a part, adjunct, attribute, or accessory.“That spare wheel pertains to this car.”
- To relate to, concern, or be relevant to.“That question doesn't pertain to the topic, so I'm not going to answer it.”
- To apply; to be or remain in place; to continue to be applicable.
Where does pertain come from?
From Middle English pertenen, from Old French partenir, pertenir (modern French appartenir), in turn from Latin pertineō, pertinēre.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with pertain
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of pertain.
Questions about saying pertain
How do you pronounce pertain?
Say per-TAYN. The American pronunciation is /pɚˈteɪn/. In British English it is /pəˈteɪn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in pertain?
Pertain has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TAYN). Broken into parts: per · TAYN.
Is pertain pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /pəˈteɪn/ (puh-TAYN).