Retain Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
retain
[rษชหteษชn ]
Definitions
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?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| retain |
Usually used in formal or professional settings to indicate keeping possession of something over time.
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| keep |
A general term suitable for any context, whether formal or informal, indicating possession or maintenance of something.
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| maintain |
Used in contexts of upholding or continuing a state, condition, or standard, often found in technical or formal usage.
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| preserve |
Usually used when talking about maintaining something in its original state or protecting it from harm or decay.
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| remember |
Talks about keeping information in one's mind, typically used in personal or educational contexts.
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| hold on to |
Often used in casual conversation and implies effort in keeping something.
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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.
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?
| 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.
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| hire |
This is a common word used to describe taking someone on as an employee, usually for regular, long-term work.
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| employ |
Use this word when you want to discuss hiring someone for a job.
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| 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.
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| appoint |
This word is appropriate when officially assigning someone to a specific position or role.
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Examples of usage
- The company decided to retain him as their legal counsel.
- She was retained as a consultant for the project.
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?
| 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.
|
| keeping |
Commonly used in everyday language to mean holding onto something, often in the context of casual situations or objects.
|
| preservation |
Usually refers to the act of protecting something from harm or decay, often in the context of historical artifacts, nature, or traditions.
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| maintenance |
Used in situations where the ongoing upkeep or care of something is discussed, generally in a technical or practical sense.
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| loyalty |
Refers to a strong feeling of support or allegiance. Often used in personal relationships, business, or to describe devotion to a cause.
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Examples of usage
- Customer retention is crucial for the success of any business.
- The company focused on employee retention by offering competitive benefits.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Research studies show that people often remember information better through repetition, a process linked to the concept of retention.
- The brain categorizes different types of memories, which can affect how well we are able to retain information over time.
- Techniques like mnemonic devices (e.g., rhymes or acronyms) can significantly enhance oneโs ability to retain knowledge.
Education
- Active learning strategies, such as summarizing or teaching content to others, can help students retain information longer.
- Taking breaks during study sessions has been shown to improve retention rates of learned material.
- Various learning styles can affect how well individuals are able to retain the information.
Cultural References
- The idea of 'retaining' knowledge has roots in various educational philosophies, from Socratic methods to modern inquiry-based learning.
- In literature, characters often struggle with the ability to retain memories, which is a common theme in genres like science fiction and mystery.
- Cultural practices around storytelling often emphasize the importance of retaining oral histories through generations.
Business
- In a corporate context, retaining employees is crucial for long-term success, as high turnover can disrupt company culture.
- Customer retention strategies are essential for businesses to maintain profitability, often involving loyalty programs.
- Training programs that focus on retention skills can lead to improved performance and employee satisfaction.
Origin of 'retain'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'retain' comes from the Latin word 'retinere,' meaning to hold back or keep.
- It entered the English language in the late 14th century, originally emphasizing the idea of holding or keeping.
- Related words like 'detain' and 'contain' also share the same Latin root, showing a common theme of holding.
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.