Retain: meaning, definitions and examples

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retain

 

[ rɪˈteɪn ]

Verb / Noun
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Verb

memory

To keep or continue to have something; to hold onto something; to remember something.

Synonyms

hold on to, keep, maintain, preserve, remember.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
retain

Usually used in formal or professional settings to indicate keeping possession of something over time.

  • The company aims to retain its employees
  • It is important to retain important documents
keep

A general term suitable for any context, whether formal or informal, indicating possession or maintenance of something.

  • Keep the change
  • You should keep a diary
maintain

Used in contexts of upholding or continuing a state, condition, or standard, often found in technical or formal usage.

  • It is crucial to maintain a good relationship with clients
  • The machine requires regular maintenance
preserve

Usually used when talking about maintaining something in its original state or protecting it from harm or decay.

  • Efforts are being made to preserve the historic building
  • We must preserve the environment for future generations
remember

Talks about keeping information in one's mind, typically used in personal or educational contexts.

  • Remember to call your mom
  • I can't remember where I put my keys
hold on to

Often used in casual conversation and implies effort in keeping something.

  • Hold on to your hat, it's windy outside
  • She'll hold on to her beliefs no matter what

Examples of usage

  • He tried to retain the information for the exam.
  • She struggled to retain her composure in front of the audience.
  • We need to retain our customers by providing excellent service.
  • They decided to retain the original design for the building.
  • The key to retaining information is through practice.
Context #2 | Verb

legal

To keep someone in a particular position or place; to employ someone on a permanent basis.

Synonyms

appoint, employ, engage, hire.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
retain

Use this word when you want to talk about keeping someone in a job or position over a period of time.

  • The company decided to retain the employee due to his excellent performance.
  • Despite economic challenges, they managed to retain most of their workforce.
hire

This is a common word used to describe taking someone on as an employee, usually for regular, long-term work.

  • The company is planning to hire additional staff next month.
  • They hired a new assistant to help with daily tasks.
employ

Use this word when you want to discuss hiring someone for a job.

  • The factory employs over 200 workers.
  • They decided to employ a new manager for the department.
engage

This word is often used when hiring someone for a specific task or short-term project. It can also mean to involve someone in an activity.

  • The company engaged an expert to review the project.
  • We need to engage the students in more interactive activities.
appoint

This word is appropriate when officially assigning someone to a specific position or role.

  • She was appointed as the new marketing director.
  • The president will appoint a new judge to the Supreme Court.

Examples of usage

  • The company decided to retain him as their legal counsel.
  • She was retained as a consultant for the project.
Context #3 | Noun

business

The act of keeping something in one's possession; the ability to keep customers, employees, or members.

Synonyms

keeping, loyalty, maintenance, preservation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
retain

Used when you want to describe holding onto something or someone over a period of time, often in a formal or professional setting.

  • The company decided to retain all employees despite the downturn
  • She managed to retain her composure during the entire meeting
keeping

Commonly used in everyday language to mean holding onto something, often in the context of casual situations or objects.

  • She likes keeping old letters
  • Are you keeping these clothes?
preservation

Usually refers to the act of protecting something from harm or decay, often in the context of historical artifacts, nature, or traditions.

  • The preservation of ancient manuscripts is crucial
  • Efforts are being made towards the preservation of endangered species
maintenance

Used in situations where the ongoing upkeep or care of something is discussed, generally in a technical or practical sense.

  • Regular maintenance of your car is essential
  • The building requires constant maintenance
loyalty

Refers to a strong feeling of support or allegiance. Often used in personal relationships, business, or to describe devotion to a cause.

  • Her loyalty to her friends is unquestionable
  • The company rewarded his loyalty with a promotion

Examples of usage

  • Customer retention is crucial for the success of any business.
  • The company focused on employee retention by offering competitive benefits.

Translations

Translations of the word "retain" in other languages:

🇵🇹 reter

🇮🇳 रखना

🇩🇪 behalten

🇮🇩 menahan

🇺🇦 зберігати

🇵🇱 zachować

🇯🇵 保持する(ほじする)

🇫🇷 retenir

🇪🇸 retener

🇹🇷 tutmak

🇰🇷 유지하다

🇸🇦 احتفظ

🇨🇿 udržet

🇸🇰 udržať

🇨🇳 保留 (bǎoliú)

🇸🇮 ohraniti

🇮🇸 halda

🇰🇿 сақтау

🇬🇪 შენახვა

🇦🇿 saxlamaq

🇲🇽 retener

Etymology

The word 'retain' originated from the Latin word 'retinere', meaning 'to hold back'. It entered the English language in the late 14th century. Over the centuries, 'retain' has evolved to encompass various meanings related to holding, keeping, and remembering. It has been widely used in legal, business, and everyday contexts to denote the act of preserving, maintaining, or continuing to possess something.

See also: retained, retaining, retention, unretained.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,207, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.