Retrieved Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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retrieved

[rษชหˆtriหvd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

past tense

The term 'retrieved' is the simple past tense and past participle of the verb 'retrieve'. It means to get something back, to recover or regain possession of something that was lost or taken away. This word is commonly used in contexts where information or items are brought back or accessed again.

Synonyms

collected, recaptured, recovered, regained.

Examples of usage

  • He retrieved his lost wallet from the park.
  • The computer program retrieved the data successfully.
  • She retrieved the cat that had wandered off.
  • They retrieved the documents from the archives.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In many stories, characters often retrieve lost items as a key part of their adventure, symbolizing a journey or transformation.
  • Classic literature often uses retrieval as a metaphor for personal growth, where characters must reclaim parts of themselves or their past.

Technology

  • In computing, retrieved data refers to information that has been searched for and then found in a database or storage system.
  • The process of retrieving is critical in various programming languages, reflecting the importance of handling user requests effectively.

Psychology

  • Memory retrieval is a vital aspect of how we remember things, involving cues and contexts that help us access information.
  • Psychologists study the mechanisms of retrieval to understand how and why we forget or remember certain things.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, plots often revolve around characters retrieving important objects, like a lost document or a family heirloom, highlighting their significance.
  • The idea of retrieval is commonly explored in mystery genres where protagonists must solve puzzles to uncover hidden truths.

Origin of 'retrieved'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'retrieved' comes from the Old French 'retrever,' which means to recover or get back.
  • Its roots can be traced back to the Latin word 'retrahere,' signifying to draw back or bring back.

The word 'retrieve' has its origins in the Latin verb 'retrahere', which means 'to drag back'. This Latin word is composed of 're-', meaning 'back', and 'tractus', meaning 'to pull'. The Old French adaptation of the term evolved into 'retrouver', translating to 'to find again'. It appeared in English as early as the 14th century, initially used in the context of bringing back hunting dogs or reclaiming lost items. Over time, the use of 'retrieve' expanded to cover a broader range of recoveries, including information retrieval in computing and data management. The transition from a physical recovery to abstract concepts reflects the evolving language and technology, where 'retrieved' now commonly describes actions performed in digital contexts, such as accessing files or restoring lost data.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,200, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.