Comprehensive
Dictionary Suite
Help
Help
Help
 
     
Lookup History
retain

re·tain

retain

 
 
pronunciation:
rih teIn
features:
Word Combinations (verb), Word Parts
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: retains, retaining, retained
definition 1: to maintain possession or use of.
You should retain a copy of the document for your records.In the divorce, he retained the house, while his wife got the furniture and the car.Put storm windows on in the winter to help your house retain its heat.These exercises will help you retain your muscle tone.
synonyms:
hold, keep, maintain
antonyms:
abandon, jettison, reject, surrender, yield
similar words:
bear, have, preserve, reserve, save, secure, store, withhold
definition 2: to have in mind; be able to recall.
I can memorize easily, but I don't always retain the information for long.
synonyms:
harbor, remember
antonyms:
forget
similar words:
have, recall, recollect, store
definition 3: to hold back or keep in place or position.
They built a fence around their yard to retain their two dogs.All measures are being taken to retain the disease.
 
synonyms:
detain, hold
antonyms:
abolish
similar words:
clasp, grasp, grip, keep
definition 4: to have in one's service, esp. upon first paying a fee.
This is a serious matter, and I suggest you retain a lawyer.
synonyms:
employ
similar words:
engage, hire, reserve
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
derivations: retainable (adj.), retainability (n.), retainment (n.)
Word PartsSubscriber feature About this feature