'pertain' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'pertinere,' where 'per-' meant 'through' and 'tenere' meant 'to hold.'

'pertinere' transformed into the Old French word 'partenir,' and eventually became the modern English word 'pertain' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to hold through or to belong to,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to be related or applicable to something.'