Retrieve: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when you need to get something back, especially something that was lost or hard to find.

• She managed to retrieve her lost files from the computer
• The dog was trained to retrieve the ball

Used when you need to get back something abstract like control, composure, or status. Often implies a sense of improving a situation.

• She tried to regain her confidence after the accident
• It took him years to regain his reputation

Used when regaining something that was lost, stolen, or taken. It often implies a process of getting back to a normal state.

• He was able to recover financially after losing his job
• They fought hard to recover their stolen goods

Commonly used when you need to go and bring something or someone and come back. Often used in casual or everyday situations.

• Can you fetch me a glass of water? The children were excited to see the dog fetch the stick

Used when someone needs to get back something that was lost or left somewhere. It is more neutral and formal.

• He went to retrieve his jacket from the classroom.
• The software can retrieve deleted files.

Often used in contexts related to health, getting back something valuable, or overcoming a setback. Can carry a more serious or urgent tone.

• She is slowly recovering from the accident.
• They managed to recover the stolen jewels.

More informal and often used when asking someone to bring something, especially a dog bringing something back. It also implies going and returning with the item.

• Can you fetch me a glass of water?
• The dog loves to fetch the ball.

Used in situations where something is being brought back to its original state, often related to repairing or renewing.

• The government plans to restore the old church.
• He worked hard to restore their relationship.

Use 'retrieve' when you are getting something back that was lost or mislaid, or accessing information stored somewhere.

• I need to retrieve my keys from the office.
• She managed to retrieve the old files from the archive.

Use 'recovery' when referring to the process of getting back to a normal state, especially health, or regaining something that was lost.

• His recovery from the surgery was quick.
• The police are working on the recovery of the stolen goods.

Use 'rescue' when saving someone or something from a dangerous or distressing situation.

• The firefighters came to rescue the people trapped inside the building.
• The animal was rescued from the shelter.

Use 'return' when bringing something back to its original place or giving something back to the person who had it before.

• Please return the book to the library.
• She returned home after the long trip.