Retain (Verb)
Meaning 1
Keep in one's mind; "I cannot retain so much information".
Classification
Verbs of thinking, judging, analyzing, doubting.
Examples
- After one hearing the musical piece, she could retain the entire melody in her mind for hours.
- The teacher provided students with methods to retain the formulas learned during class.
- It was difficult for her to retain every phone number in her memory, so she used a digital address book.
- She practiced meditation to retain focus throughout the day.
- Unfortunately, he found it hard to retain any information without immediate context.
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Related Words
Meaning 2
Allow to remain in a place or position or maintain a property or feature; "We cannot continue several servants any longer"; "She retains a lawyer"; "The family's fortune waned and they could not keep their household staff"; "Our grant has run out and we cannot keep you on"; "We kept the work going as long as we could"; "She retained her composure"; "this garment retains its shape even after many washings".
Classification
Verbs of political and social activities and events.
Examples
- The company will retain several employees to ensure a smooth transition.
- The university's new policy aims to retain more students by offering flexible learning options.
- She retained her childhood memories of summer vacations at the beach.
- The exercise routine helps retain muscle mass even at an advanced age.
- The material used in this fabric retains its color and softness after repeated washing.
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Hypernyms
Meaning 3
Secure and keep for possible future use or application; "The landlord retained the security deposit"; "I reserve the right to disagree".
Classification
Verbs of buying, selling, owning.
Examples
- The government retained the files for further investigation and possible future reference.
- She retained her original idea despite numerous suggestions from others.
- The artist retained the copyright to her work to maintain creative control.
- The school retained a portion of the student's tuition for the upcoming semester.
- The company retained a lawyer to handle their business transactions.
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Related Words
Meaning 4
Hold back within; "This soil retains water"; "I retain this drug for a long time"; "the dam retains the water".
Classification
Verbs of being, having, spatial relations.
Examples
- The dam retains the large amount of rainwater that falls in the area throughout the year.
- This type of insulation retains heat, making homes more energy-efficient during the winter months.
- The soil in the garden retains moisture well, which reduces the need for frequent watering.
- The new medication is designed to be released slowly over time, allowing the body to retain it for up to 48 hours.
- Expandable polymer is used in the dam to retain its shape even after prolonged exposure to water.