PERTAINING meaning and definition

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What Does "Pertaining" Mean?

In the world of language, there are many words and phrases that we use every day without giving them a second thought. One such word is "pertaining." It's a word that can be used in various contexts to convey different meanings, but what exactly does it mean?

Definition

"Pertaining" is an adverbial phrase that means related to or connected with something else. In other words, it indicates a connection or association between two things, ideas, or concepts. For example:

"The new policy pertaining to employee benefits will take effect next quarter."
"The book pertaining to ancient history was fascinating."

In both examples, the word "pertaining" is used to link the policy or book to something specific – in this case, employee benefits and ancient history.

Connotations

When using the phrase "pertaining to," you can convey a sense of relevance, importance, or pertinence (hence the name!). It implies that the thing being described has a direct connection to what follows. For instance:

"The report pertaining to last quarter's sales figures is available online."
"The instructions pertaining to assembling the new furniture are included in the box."

In these examples, using "pertaining to" emphasizes the significance of the information or the importance of following the correct instructions.

Common Misconceptions

Some people may confuse "pertaining" with other words like "related," "connected," or "regarding." While there is some overlap between these words, "pertaining" has a more formal tone and is often used in professional, academic, or official contexts. For example:

Instead of saying "The new policy related to employee benefits...", you would use "The new policy pertaining to employee benefits..."
"Pertaining" is not interchangeable with "regarding," as it implies a stronger connection between the two things.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "pertaining" is an adverbial phrase that indicates a connection or association between two things. It's used to link ideas, concepts, or objects and convey relevance, importance, or pertinence. By understanding the nuances of this word, you can add precision and clarity to your communication, whether in writing or speaking.

So next time you're unsure how to describe that important detail or connection, remember: "pertaining" is there to help you tie things together!

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