Retain Meaning

Retain

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. To keep or continue to have something, not allowing it to go or be taken away.
2. To hold or maintain possession of something.
3. To remember or keep something in one’s memory.
4. To continue to employ someone or keep something in use, especially for an extended period.

History and Origin

The word “retain” comes from the Latin retinere, meaning “to hold back” or “to keep in,” from re- (meaning “back”) and tenere (meaning “to hold”). It has been used in English since the late Middle Ages to describe the act of keeping or holding something in one’s possession or control. Over time, it has expanded to include meanings related to memory, employment, and even legal contexts where one might retain services or property.

Detailed Explanation

To “retain” means to keep or continue holding something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or even knowledge. In everyday usage, the word is often used when talking about keeping things in one’s possession, such as retaining a receipt or retaining the right to use something. It can also refer to retaining employees, meaning to keep them employed. In a broader sense, “retain” refers to memory or keeping information, such as retaining knowledge learned in a class. It is a versatile term used in both casual and formal contexts, such as business, law, and education.

Example Sentences

1. She decided to retain ownership of the property despite the offers to sell.
2. The company worked hard to retain its loyal customers with excellent service.
3. He struggled to retain the information for the exam, despite studying all week.
4. The lawyer retained all necessary documents for the case.
5. I have retained the receipt for the purchase in case I need to return the item.
6. After the meeting, the manager asked to retain the current employees for another project.
7. The book is an excellent resource to help retain knowledge from the course.
8. The organization aims to retain its top talent by offering competitive benefits.
9. The hotel has retained its status as one of the top-rated in the city for five years.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Keep – To continue having or holding something, similar to retain but with a broader use.
2. Maintain – To preserve or continue something in its current state, such as maintaining control or maintaining possession.
3. Hold – To physically grasp or keep something, often used interchangeably with retain in more specific contexts.
4. Preserve – To maintain something in its original or existing state, especially over time, similar to retain.
5. Save – To keep something for future use, often referring to retaining something for a later purpose.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Memorize – To commit something to memory, often retaining knowledge for later use.
2. Secure – To make sure that something is retained or kept safe from loss.
3. Conserve – To protect and retain something, usually in a context of preserving resources or the environment.
4. Possess – To own or hold something, often implying retaining it in one’s possession.
5. Store – To keep something for future use, often referring to retaining items in storage.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Retainage – The portion of payment that is held back in contracts until a job is completed or services are fully rendered.
2. Retention – The act of keeping something, especially in the context of employees or customers.
3. Keep hold of – An informal phrase meaning to continue retaining something or holding onto it.
4. Cling to – To hold something tightly, either physically or metaphorically, often indicating the act of retaining something with strong attachment.
5. Withhold – To deliberately retain something or refrain from giving or releasing it.

Antonyms

1. Release
2. Discard
3. Lose
4. Forget
5. Abandon