pertinent
UK: /ˈpɜːtɪnənt/ | US: /ˈpɜːrtənənt/
adj. directly relevant or applicable to the matter at hand
adj. (archaic) belonging or related to something
pertinent = per<through> + tin<hold> + ent<adjective suffix>
- per (Latin: "through," "thoroughly")
- tin (from Latin tenere, "to hold," "to keep")
- ent (adjective-forming suffix indicating state or quality)
Etymology Origin:
The word "pertinent" traces back to Latin pertinēre ("to pertain"), combining per- (thoroughly) + tenēre (to hold). It originally meant "belonging to" or "holding through," evolving into its modern sense of "relevant" by the 14th century. The logic reflects something "holding through" to the core of a matter.
The lawyer asked only the most pertinent questions during the trial.
Her comments were brief but highly pertinent to the discussion.
Include only pertinent details in your report to avoid confusion.
The judge dismissed evidence that was not pertinent to the case.
His expertise made his advice particularly pertinent.