Retaining: meaning, definitions and examples

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retaining

 

[rɪˈteɪnɪŋ ]

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "retaining" in other languages:

🇵🇹 retenção

🇮🇳 रखना

🇩🇪 Beibehaltung

🇮🇩 penahanan

🇺🇦 утримання

🇵🇱 utrzymanie

🇯🇵 保持

🇫🇷 rétention

🇪🇸 retención

🇹🇷 tutma

🇰🇷 유지

🇸🇦 احتفاظ

🇨🇿 udržení

🇸🇰 udržanie

🇨🇳 保持

🇸🇮 zadržanje

🇮🇸 varðveisla

🇰🇿 сақтау

🇬🇪 შენარჩუნება

🇦🇿 saxlama

🇲🇽 retención

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.