Definitions and Examples of keep, retain, hold on to
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
To have or retain possession of something.
Example
I decided to keep the old book because it had sentimental value.
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: keep vs retain vs hold on to
- 1Keep implies having possession of something and not letting it go.
- 2Retain implies continuing to have something and not losing it.
- 3Hold on to implies physically grasping something and not releasing it.
Effective Usage of keep, retain, hold on to
- 1Business: Use retain to describe keeping employees, customers, or clients.
- 2Personal Life: Use keep and hold on to to describe holding onto possessions, memories, or relationships.
- 3Travel: Use keep and retain to describe keeping luggage or personal belongings while traveling.
Remember this!
The antonyms of jettison are keep, retain, and hold on to. These antonyms convey the opposite meaning of getting rid of something or throwing it away. Use these words to describe keeping possessions, memories, relationships, or employees, customers, and clients in business contexts.