Pertinant Meaning and Definition
Pertinant
Pronunciation
/ˈpɜːrtɪnənt/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
A word or phrase that is directly relevant or applicable to a particular context, often considered to be a key or essential part of that context.
Examples
- The policy was explained by a pertinant speaker who had a deep understanding of the subject.
- The manager found the pertinant information on the company’s website.
Synonyms
- Relevant
- Pertinent
- Key
Antonyms
- Irrelevant
- Unrelated
- Peripheral
Etymology
The word ‘pertinant’ is derived from the Latin word ‘pertinens,’ which means ‘proceeding from’ or ‘relating to.’ It was originally used in the 15th century to describe a place or a person that is attached or connected to something.
Usage Notes
Pertinant is often used in formal contexts, such as academic writing or professional communication, where precision and clarity are essential. It is also commonly used in technical writing, where the relevance of certain information is critical.
Cultural References
Pertinant has appeared in various forms of media, including literature, film, and television. For example, in the movie ‘The Social Network,’ a character mentions that a pertinant fact is relevant to their argument.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Pertinant is often used in idiomatic expressions such as ‘pertinant to the matter,’ which means relevant to the subject at hand.
Related Words or Phrases
- Relevant
- Pertinent
- Key
Collocations
- Pertinant to the issue
- Pertinant information
- Pertinant details
Frequency of Use
Pertinant is a relatively rare word in modern language, often used in formal or technical contexts where precision is essential.
Common Misspellings
- Pertinint
- Pertiment
- Pertinanty