retention

[rɪˈtɛnʃən]

retention Definition

  • 1the continued possession, use, or control of something
  • 2the ability to remember or recall something easily

Using retention: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "retention" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The company's retention of its employees is impressive.

  • Example

    The retention of water in the soil is important for plant growth.

  • Example

    He has good retention of information.

  • Example

    The retention of power by the dictator was a major issue for the opposition.

retention Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for retention

Idioms Using retention

  • in custody or under detention

    Example

    The suspect is being held in retention until further investigation.

  • have a good ability to remember or recall something

    Example

    She has a good retention for names and faces.

  • to hold onto something very tightly, often because it is important or because you are afraid of losing it

    Example

    He held onto the rope for dear life as he climbed up the steep cliff.

Phrases with retention

  • the ability of a business to retain its customers over a period of time

    Example

    The company's customer retention rate has increased by 20% this year.

  • the accumulation of excess fluids in the body tissues

    Example

    Her doctor prescribed medication to reduce water retention in her legs.

  • the ability to retain or remember information

    Example

    The study aimed to investigate the effects of sleep on memory retention.

Origins of retention

from Latin 'retentio', meaning 'a holding back'

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Summary: retention in Brief

The term 'retention' [rɪˈtɛnʃən] refers to the continued possession, use, or control of something, as well as the ability to remember or recall something easily. It can be used in contexts such as employee retention, water retention, and memory retention. Idioms like 'in retention' and 'hold onto something for dear life' add color to the term, while synonyms like 'preservation' and 'memory' provide formal alternatives.

How do native speakers use this expression?