Skip to content

pertinente

relevant

adjective pehr-tee-NEHN-teh Rare
Descriptions & Qualities Quality

Origin: From Latin pertinens, from pertinere (to pertain to).

Also means

pertinent

Usage Note

Pertinente is a formal adjective meaning directly applicable or appropriate to the matter at hand; 'en el momento pertinente' (at the appropriate moment). It is more precise than relevante, implying strict logical connection rather than general importance. The negative impertinente has drifted to mean rude or cheeky in everyday speech, making the base form sound more legalistic than its English cognate.

Examples

"Haz las preguntas pertinentes antes de decidir."

Natural Translation

Ask the relevant questions before deciding.

Free starter pack

Building your Spanish vocabulary?

Get the 100 most common Spanish words as a free PDF — one email, no spam.

Explore Spanish by topic