Retire: meaning, definitions and examples
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retire
[ rɪˈtaɪər ]
from work
To stop working, typically after reaching a certain age or after a long career. Retiring often involves receiving a pension or other financial benefits.
Synonyms
quit, resign, step down, withdraw.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| retire |
Typically used when someone stops working permanently, usually due to age or having worked enough years.
|
| resign |
Used when someone formally gives up a position or job, usually in a professional or official context.
|
| step down |
Used when someone leaves a position of authority or leadership, often to let someone else take over.
|
| withdraw |
Used when someone pulls back from an activity, competition, or position, often due to personal reasons or changing circumstances.
|
| quit |
Often used for leaving a job or any activity suddenly or without planning. It can sometimes have a negative connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- I plan to retire next year and travel the world.
- After 40 years of hard work, she finally decided to retire.
- The company offers early retirement packages to employees over 55.
from a competition
To withdraw from a competition or a game, usually due to age or injury. It can also mean to voluntarily leave a position of power or authority.
Synonyms
abandon, quit, resign, step down.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| retire |
Used when someone stops working at their job usually because they have reached a certain age.
|
| step down |
Used when someone leaves a position of power or responsibility, often implying a voluntary action to make way for someone else.
|
| resign |
Formally used when someone leaves their job or position, usually by their own choice and with a formal procedure.
|
| quit |
Informally used when someone stops doing something, often abruptly or without formal procedure. It can have a negative connotation, implying lack of commitment.
|
| abandon |
Used when someone leaves something, often in a negative sense, suggesting neglect or leaving something unfinished.
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Examples of usage
- The athlete decided to retire from professional sports after a series of injuries.
- After losing the election, the politician announced his retirement from politics.
- The champion retired from the match due to a knee injury.
Translations
Translations of the word "retire" in other languages:
🇵🇹 aposentar-se
🇮🇳 सेवानिवृत्त होना
🇩🇪 in den Ruhestand gehen
🇮🇩 pensiun
🇺🇦 піти на пенсію
🇵🇱 przejść na emeryturę
🇯🇵 退職する (たいしょくする)
🇫🇷 prendre sa retraite
🇪🇸 jubilarse
🇹🇷 emekli olmak
🇰🇷 퇴직하다 (퇴직하다)
🇸🇦 يتقاعد
🇨🇿 odejít do důchodu
🇸🇰 odísť do dôchodku
🇨🇳 退休 (tuìxiū)
🇸🇮 upokojiti se
🇮🇸 hætta störfum
🇰🇿 зейнетке шығу
🇬🇪 პენსიაზე გასვლა
🇦🇿 təqaüdə çıxmaq
🇲🇽 jubilarse
Etymology
The word 'retire' comes from the Middle French word 'retirer' which means 'to withdraw'. It was first used in the 1530s to refer to the act of leaving or withdrawing from a place or situation. Over time, its meaning evolved to include leaving a job or career, especially after reaching a certain age. The concept of retirement as we know it today, with pensions and benefits, began to develop in the 19th century.
See also: retired, retiree, retirees, retirement, retiring.
Word Frequency Rank
At #6,398 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.
- ...
- 6395 stimulating
- 6396 deficiencies
- 6397 privileged
- 6398 retire
- 6399 tribunal
- 6400 detached
- 6401 destroying
- ...