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retain
[ ri-teyn ]
/ rÉŖĖteÉŖn /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
verb (used with object)
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Origin of retain
First recorded in 1350ā1400; Middle English reteinen, from Old French retenir, from Latin retinÄre āto hold back, hold fast,ā equivalent to re- re- + -tinÄre, combining form of tenÄre āto holdā
synonym study for retain
1. See keep.
OTHER WORDS FROM retain
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Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Ā© Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use retain in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for retain
retain
/ (rÉŖĖteÉŖn) /
verb (tr)
Derived forms of retain
retainable, adjectiveretainment, nounWord Origin for retain
C14: from Old French retenir, from Latin retinÄre to hold back, from re- + tenÄre to hold
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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