Retaining Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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retaining

[rษชหˆteษชnษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

memory

Keeping something in place or maintaining possession of it.

Synonyms

keeping, maintaining, preserving.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
retaining

Mentioned twice, and should be merged with the first entry.

keeping

Used in a more general sense to describe holding or storing something; can be temporary or permanent.

  • Keeping the house clean is a daily chore.
  • He is keeping his old toys in a box in the attic.
maintaining

Refers to taking action to ensure something continues to function properly or remains in good condition.

  • Regular oil changes are important for maintaining your car.
  • She struggled with maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
preserving

Often used when discussing saving something from decay or destruction, for long-term protection.

  • Conserving energy is vital for preserving the environment.
  • He is interested in preserving ancient artifacts.

Examples of usage

  • He had a hard time retaining information from his classes.
  • She was good at retaining details from conversations.
Context #2 | Verb

employment

Continuing to employ someone or keep them in a position.

Synonyms

employing, keeping on.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
retaining

Use to imply maintaining possession or control of something.

  • She has been retaining a majority stake in the company
  • The organization is retaining its top talent by providing competitive salaries
employing

Use when referring to hiring someone or using a method, strategy, or piece of equipment.

  • The company is employing new strategies to increase sales
  • They are employing more staff to handle the holiday rush
keeping on

Use in informal contexts to indicate continuing with something or someone, often despite difficulties.

  • Despite the budget cuts, the manager is keeping on all her team members
  • They decided on keeping on the old system until the new one is ready

Examples of usage

  • The company was not retaining enough employees due to low wages.
  • They were successful in retaining their top talent.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Retaining information is crucial for learning; techniques like repetition enhance memory performance.
  • The 'forgetting curve,' developed by Hermann Ebbinghaus, shows how quickly we lose information if not reinforced.
  • Active engagement with material, like teaching others, significantly improves retention rates.

Education

  • Effective study habits, such as summarizing and self-testing, promote better retention over time.
  • Researchers have found that spaced repetition, which spaces out learning sessions, greatly enhances memory retention.
  • Visual aids, such as diagrams and charts, play a role in helping students retain complex information.

Technology

  • In software, 'retaining' often refers to keeping user data stored for personalized experiences.
  • Data retaining practices are critical in cybersecurity, as lost information can lead to vulnerabilities.
  • Cloud services utilize various methods for retaining user data securely and efficiently across multiple devices.

Pop Culture

  • In films, characters often undergo a journey of retaining lessons learned, emphasizing growth and wisdom.
  • Popular games designed for memory testing often focus on retaining patterns or sequences, enhancing player skills.
  • The concept of retaining cultural heritage is prevalent in music, dance, and storytelling across many societies.

Origin of 'retaining'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'retain' comes from the Latin 'retinere,' which means to hold back or keep.
  • It entered Middle English through the Old French word 'retenir,' showing a transition through languages.
  • The modern use of 'retaining' evolved by the late 14th century, describing both physical and mental holding.

The word 'retaining' originates from the Middle English word 'retenen', which comes from the Old French 'retenir', ultimately from the Latin 'retinere', meaning 'to hold back'. The concept of retaining has been present in various cultures throughout history, where the act of keeping something or someone has been essential for survival and progress.


See also: retain, retained, retention, unretained.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,975 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.