retain Definition
- 1to keep something or continue to have something
- 2to employ someone to work for you on a permanent basis
Using retain: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "retain" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
It's important to retain customers in order to grow the business.
Example
She was able to retain her title as champion for three years.
Example
The company decided to retain the services of a consultant.
retain Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with retain
Example
The CEO wanted to retain control over all major decisions.
to remember or keep information in one's memory
Example
It's easier to retain information when you study in short sessions rather than cramming.
retain earnings
to keep profits within a company rather than distributing them to shareholders
Example
The board of directors voted to retain earnings in order to fund future expansion.
Origins of retain
from Old French 'retenir', from Latin 'retinere', from 're-' (back) + 'tenere' (to hold)
Summary: retain in Brief
To 'retain' [rɪˈteɪn] means to keep or continue to have something, such as customers or a job. It can also mean to employ someone permanently. Examples include 'The company decided to retain the services of a consultant.' and 'She was able to retain her title as champion for three years.' Phrases like 'retain control' and 'retain information' illustrate the various ways the term is used.
