apply vs pertain

apply and pertain both are verbs.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
apply	No	No	Yes	No
pertain	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, pertain is a hypernym of apply; that is, pertain is a word with a broader meaning than apply:

Other hypernyms of apply include bear on, come to, concern, have to do with, refer, relate, touch, touch on.

apply (verb)	pertain (verb)
ask (for something)	be a part or attribute of
refer (a word or name) to a person or thing	be relevant to
put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose
coat, cover or smear a surface with
give or convey physically
avail oneself to
ensure observance of laws and rules
apply oneself to
be pertinent or relevant or applicable
be applicable to; as to an analysis