Retired: meaning, definitions and examples

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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?

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retired	Use when referring to someone who has stopped working, typically due to age, and is no longer active in their professional career.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

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "retired" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aposentado

🇮🇳 सेवानिवृत्त

🇩🇪 im Ruhestand

🇮🇩 pensiun

🇺🇦 пенсіонер

🇵🇱 emerytowany

🇯🇵 退職

🇫🇷 retraité

🇪🇸 jubilado

🇹🇷 emekli

🇰🇷 은퇴한

🇸🇦 متقاعد

🇨🇿 v důchodu

🇸🇰 na dôchodku

🇨🇳 退休

🇸🇮 upokojen

🇮🇸 kominn á eftirlaun

🇰🇿 зейнеткер

🇬🇪 პენსიონერი

🇦🇿 təqaüdçü

🇲🇽 jubilado

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.

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3142 excluded
3143 nose
3144 exclusively
3145 retired
3146 investigated
3147 logic
3148 anxiety
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