pertinent

Definitions

per- (through, thoroughly) + tin (a worn-down form of ten 'hold') + -ent (adj.) = 'reaching through to' something. Latin pertinēre meant 'to extend to, belong to.' If a fact 'belongs to' the topic — sticks to it, hangs on it — it is pertinent: it bears directly on what you're discussing.

Common Collocations

• 1.pertinent question中肯的问题
• 2.pertinent information相关信息
• 3.pertinent to the issue与该问题相关的
• 4.highly pertinent极为相关的

Example Sentences

• 1.

  Please keep your comments pertinent to the topic.

• 2.

  The lawyer asked several pertinent questions about the contract.

• 3.

  She quickly identified the pertinent facts of the case.

Easily Confused

pertinent vs. relevant: nearly synonyms, but pertinent is sharper — it means relevant AND to the point right now, often in a formal or analytical context (pertinent details, pertinent question). Relevant is broader and more everyday (a relevant example). All pertinent facts are relevant; not every relevant fact is pertinent enough to mention.