What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
retentiveness
Example
Her retentiveness allowed her to ace the exam without much effort. [retentiveness: noun]
Example
The musician's retentiveness was evident in his ability to play complex pieces from memory. [retentiveness: noun]
retention
Example
The company's retention of its employees was high due to its positive work environment. [retention: noun]
Example
The retention of water in the soil was crucial for the growth of the plants. [retention: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Retention is more commonly used than retentiveness in everyday language. Retention is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while retentiveness is less common and is typically used in academic or intellectual contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between retentiveness and retention?
Retentiveness is typically associated with a formal or academic tone, while retention can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
