retain

Formsretains, retaining, retained

Pluralretains

1. 1
   verbtransitive

   To keep something as it is instead of taking it away or changing it.

   Like keeping an old photo on the wall instead of throwing it away.

   The school decided to retain its old uniform rules.

   The new owners retained the restaurant's original name.

   Similarkeep, preserve, maintain, conserve

   Oppositeabolish, remove

   Note
2. 2
   verbtransitive

   To keep something that you have and not give it up.

   She retained her job even after the company changed owners.

   You can retain your seat for the second show.

   Similarkeep, hold, maintain, preserve

   Oppositelose, surrender

   Note
3. 3
   verbtransitive

   To keep facts or ideas in your memory.

   Like saving a file on your phone so you can open it later.

   I can retain phone numbers easily, but I forget names.

   He retained almost everything from yesterday's lesson.

   Similarremember, recall, memorize

   Oppositeforget

4. 4
   verbtransitive

   To hold something firmly in place so it does not come loose or fall off.

   A small clip retains the battery inside the camera.

   Two screws retain the cover on the back of the toy.

   Similarhold, secure, fasten

   Oppositerelease

5. 5
   verbtransitive

   To pay a lawyer money in advance so they will work for you when needed.

   The family retained a lawyer to handle the case.

   Big companies often retain lawyers before any trouble starts.

   Similarengage, hire

   Note
6. 6
   verbtransitive

   To hire someone to do work for you, often for a short time.

   The team retained a photographer for the weekend tournament.

   You can retain a guide at the park entrance for a small fee.

   Similarhire, engage, employ, commission

7. 7
   verbtransitive

   To hold something inside and not let it escape or leak out.

   Like a sponge that holds water inside it.

   Clay soil retains water for a long time after rain.

   These thick walls retain heat all through the winter.

   Similarhold, keep, contain, preserve

   Oppositelose, release

8. 8
   verbtransitive

   To hold someone or something back and stop them from doing something.

   The fence retained the cattle from wandering onto the road.

   Strong nets retain the falling rocks from reaching the highway.

   Similarrestrain, keep, prevent, stop

9. 9
   verbtransitive

   To keep someone working for you and continue paying them.

   The hotel retained most of its staff during the slow season.

   Good bosses retain their best workers by treating them well.

   Similarkeep, employ

   Oppositedismiss, fire

10. 10
    verbreflexivetransitive

    To control yourself and stop yourself from showing strong feelings or anger.

    He could hardly retain himself when he heard the unfair decision.

    She retained herself and answered the insult calmly.

    Similarrestrain, control, contain

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