Retaining
/rɪˈteɪnɪŋ/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo continue to have something; to keep possession of something.
/rɪˈteɪn/
To keep possession of something
The museum decided to retain the valuable artifact.
💡 Simply: Think of keeping something you really like – a toy, a special memory, or even a good habit. Retaining means you don't let go! For example, “She was so talented, they decided to retain her in the team”.
👶 For kids: Keeping something that you have, like keeping your favorite toy!
More Examples
The company is trying to retain its market share.
She was able to retain the information she learned in class.
How It's Used
"The company retained ownership of the patents."
"We're working on measures to retain our existing customers."
To remember and be able to recall information.
/rɪˈteɪn/
To remember and be able to recall information
It's important to take notes to help you retain the information.
💡 Simply: Like trying to remember the names of all your classmates, or remembering how to ride a bike. It's all about keeping the information in your head. For example, “It is hard to retain so much information for the exam”.
👶 For kids: To remember things! Like remembering your friend's name.
More Examples
The students struggled to retain the vocabulary words.
He had difficulty retaining information under pressure.
How It's Used
"It's difficult to retain so much information for the exam."
"The brain's ability to retain memories diminishes with age."
To hire someone, especially a professional, to provide a service.
/rɪˈteɪn/
To employ someone, especially an attorney
The family decided to retain a private investigator to find their missing pet.
💡 Simply: When you hire someone to help you, like hiring a lawyer to help you with a court case. For example, “I retained the services of a tax accountant to file my taxes”.
👶 For kids: To hire someone to help you, like hiring a lawyer to help you when you are in trouble.
More Examples
The company retained a consultant to improve their marketing strategies.
She was able to retain a specialist to help her in her court case.
How It's Used
"She retained a lawyer to represent her in court."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
Retain one's composure
To remain calm and in control of one's emotions.
"Despite the chaos around him, he managed to retain his composure."
From Middle English *retenen*, from Old French *retenir* (“to retain”), from Latin *re-*, intensive prefix, + *tenēre* (“to hold”).
The word has been used since the 14th century, originally relating to holding something physically, and later extended to include mental retention.
Memory tip
Imagine holding onto a rope tightly; you're retaining it.
Word Origin
"to hold"