Definitions and Examples of keep, retain, maintain
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
To continue to have or hold something; not to lose or give away.
Example
I want to keep this book because it has sentimental value.
To keep possession of something; to continue to use or employ something.
Example
The company decided to retain its current employees despite the economic downturn.
To keep something in good condition; to preserve or sustain something.
Example
It's important to maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine for a long and happy life.
Key Differences: keep vs retain vs maintain
- 1Keep implies holding onto something that you already have.
- 2Retain implies keeping possession of something that you might otherwise lose.
- 3Maintain implies keeping something in good condition or preserving it.
Effective Usage of keep, retain, maintain
- 1Business: Use retain to describe keeping employees, customers, or clients.
- 2Personal: Use keep to describe holding onto something valuable or sentimental.
- 3Maintenance: Use maintain to describe keeping something in good condition or preserving it.
Remember this!
The antonyms of ditch are keep, retain, and maintain. These words convey the opposite meaning of ditch and have distinct nuances. Use these words in different contexts such as business, personal, or maintenance to describe keeping something, holding onto something valuable, or preserving something.
