Blog

Retrieve

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. To get or bring something back from a place where it was kept or hidden.
2. To recover or regain something that was lost, damaged, or unavailable.
3. To recover information from a system or database, especially in the context of computing.

History and Origin

The word “retrieve” originates from the Middle English retrieven, which is derived from Old French retrever (meaning “to recover or bring back”). It comes from the Latin retrahere, meaning “to draw back” or “to pull back,” formed from re- (meaning “back”) and trahere (meaning “to pull or drag”). It has been used in English since the 14th century, primarily in the context of recovery, especially related to animals retrieving game in hunting.

Detailed Explanation

“Retrieve” means to go back and get something that has been lost, left behind, or placed somewhere. It is often used in the context of recovering objects, information, or data. For example, you might retrieve a book from the shelf or retrieve an email from your inbox. In computing, retrieving refers to accessing or recovering data stored in a database or system. The term can also be used in sports, such as retrieving a ball in a game.

The process of retrieval is often intentional and involves searching or looking for something with the goal of bringing it back. Whether it’s recovering a lost item, pulling data from a database, or even animals retrieving objects in a hunt, the idea is centered on the act of bringing something back to its previous state or location.

Example Sentences

1. He went back to retrieve his lost wallet from the park.
2. The dog was trained to retrieve the ball from the water.
3. I need to retrieve my password to access the account.
4. After the storm, they were able to retrieve most of their belongings from the damaged house.
5. The search team worked hard to retrieve the stranded hikers from the mountain.
6. She tried to retrieve her notes from the misplaced folder.
7. The software allows you to retrieve any previous version of the document.
8. They managed to retrieve the stolen car after a week of searching.
9. You can retrieve old emails by searching in the archive section.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Recover – To obtain something that was lost or missing.
2. Reclaim – To regain possession of something that was lost or taken.
3. Fetch – To go and bring something back, often used for physical objects.
4. Regain – To get back something that was lost or out of reach.
5. Reacquire – To acquire something again after losing it.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Retrieve – A similar term focused on bringing back or recovering.
2. Recovery – The process of regaining or retrieving something after a loss.
3. Search – The act of looking for something that needs to be retrieved.
4. Rescue – To save something or someone, often implying retrieval from danger or loss.
5. Restore – To bring something back to its original state, often after retrieval.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Return – The act of bringing something back to its original place or owner.
2. Access – The ability to retrieve or obtain information or data.
3. Get back – A colloquial way of saying to retrieve something that was lost or misplaced.
4. Recovery – Regaining possession or access to something that was previously lost.
5. Collect – To gather or retrieve items from various locations.

Antonyms

1. Lose
2. Misplace
3. Forfeit
4. Discard
5. Surrender