retain — to keep possession of something; to continue to have something
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to keep possession of something; to continue to have something
Pronunciation (IPA): /rɪˈteɪn/
Example Sentences
- My grandmother can retain phone numbers like a human phone book, but she forgets where she put her glasses every morning.
- The company decided to retain all employees during the economic downturn.
- He tried to retain his cool during the argument, but ended up shouting like a referee at a soccer match.
retain
VERB[/rɪˈteɪn/]
to keep possession of something; to continue to have something
Grandmother carefully keeping precious family memories
Good habits help people retain knowledge more effectively. (REMAIN + MAINTAIN = RETAIN → retain means continuing to keep or maintain something)
Good habits helped retain knowledge, maintain focus, and sustain progress.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'retinere', composed of 're-' (back) and 'tenere' (to hold). This Latin verb was adopted into Old French and then into Middle English.
Breakdown
re- (back/again) + -tain (from Latin tenere, to hold) = retain (to hold back or keep possession of)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My grandmother can retain phone numbers like a human phone book, but she forgets where she put her glasses every morning.”
“The company decided to retain all employees during the economic downturn.”
“He tried to retain his cool during the argument, but ended up shouting like a referee at a soccer match.”
“This fabric retains heat well, making it perfect for winter clothing.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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