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Retired Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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retired

[rɪˈtaɪəd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in the context of work

Having stopped working, typically after reaching a certain age or after a long career.

Synonyms

ex, former, pensioned.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
retired

Use when referring to someone who has stopped working, typically due to age, and is no longer active in their professional career.

  • My father is retired and now spends his days gardening
  • She is a retired teacher who volunteers at the local library
former

Used formally to indicate a previous role or position someone held. It can be used in both professional and personal contexts.

  • The former president attended the ceremony
  • She was a former employee of the company
ex

Usually applied to denote someone who held a particular position or role in the past but no longer does. Commonly used informally.

  • She met her ex-husband at the reunion
  • He is an ex-football player, now working as a coach
pensioned

Specifically refers to someone who is receiving a pension, typically after retiring from work. The term can imply a formal retirement and receipt of benefits.

  • He is pensioned and receives monthly payments from the government
  • Many pensioned individuals move to warmer climates

Examples of usage

  • He is a retired teacher.
  • My grandfather is enjoying his retired life.
Context #2 | Verb

in the context of sports

To withdraw from active participation in a sport or team.

Synonyms

quit, resign, step down.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
retired

When someone stops working permanently, usually because of age or long service.

  • After 40 years of service, she retired from the company.
  • He is enjoying his retired life traveling the world.
quit

When someone leaves a job or activity suddenly or abruptly, often without giving much notice. This can sometimes have a negative connotation.

  • She decided to quit her job to start her own business.
  • He quit the team after several disagreements with the coach.
resign

When someone formally leaves a job or position, usually by providing a written notice. It is often used in professional settings.

  • He submitted his resignation letter and resigned as CEO.
  • She resigned from her position to pursue further education.
step down

When someone leaves a position, especially one of authority, often to allow someone else to take over. It often implies a voluntary decision.

  • The chairman decided to step down after ten years of leadership.
  • She stepped down from her role to focus on her family.

Examples of usage

  • After years of playing, he decided to retire from professional football.
  • The athlete retired due to injuries.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term 'retire' comes from the French word 'retirer', meaning 'to withdraw', which indicates moving away from work.
  • In the medieval era, people would retire from life's duties to focus solely on spiritual pursuits or family.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Many societies celebrate retirement with ceremonies that honor the work done, such as retirement parties or gifts.
  • In some cultures, retirement is seen as a time for elders to pass down wisdom and knowledge to younger generations.

Economic Aspects

  • The concept of retirement plans and pensions became prominent in the 20th century, highlighting its importance in financial security.
  • Many countries have a retirement age, typically ranging from 60 to 67, aiming to balance workforce participation with social support systems.

Psychological Considerations

  • Transitioning to retirement can lead to a sense of freedom but may also cause feelings of loss or identity crisis for some individuals.
  • Engaging in hobbies or volunteering post-retirement can greatly enhance emotional well-being and help maintain social connections.

Literature and Media

  • Retirement is a common theme in literature, often explored in stories about searching for purpose after leaving a job.
  • Films and television shows often depict retirees embarking on new adventures, showcasing the joy and challenges of this life stage.

Origin of 'retired'

The word 'retired' originates from the Latin word 'retirare', which means 'to withdraw'. Over time, it has come to be associated with the act of leaving one's job or profession, especially after reaching a certain age. The concept of retirement has evolved throughout history, with different cultures and societies having varying views on when and how people should retire.

See also: retire, retiree, retirees, retirement, retiring.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,145, 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.