Definitions and Examples of withhold, keep, retain
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
To refuse to give or grant something that is due or desired.
Example
The company decided to withhold bonuses this year due to financial constraints.
To have or retain possession of something.
Example
He decided to keep the book instead of returning it to the library.
To continue to have something; to keep in one's possession or control.
Example
The company decided to retain its employees despite the economic downturn.
Key Differences: withhold vs keep vs retain
- 1Withhold implies actively refusing to give or grant something that is due or desired.
- 2Keep implies having possession or control over something and not giving it away or losing it.
- 3Retain implies continuing to have something and not letting go of it.
Effective Usage of withhold, keep, retain
- 1Business Communication: Use withhold to indicate a refusal to provide information or resources.
- 2Ownership and Possession: Use keep and retain to describe ownership and possession of objects or ideas.
- 3Legal Contexts: Use retain to describe the act of keeping a lawyer or legal representation.
Remember this!
The antonyms of devote are withhold, keep, and retain. Withhold implies actively refusing to give or grant something, keep implies having possession or control over something, and retain implies continuing to have something. These words can be used in business communication, to describe ownership and possession, and in legal contexts.
