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- 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| related words: |
detain, employ, hold, leave, maintain, own, renew |
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| derivations: |
retainable (adj.), retainability (n.), retainment (n.) |
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