This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
retain
[ ri-teyn ]
/ rɪˈteɪn /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
verb (used with object)
QUIZ
GOOSES. GEESES. I WANT THIS QUIZ ON PLURAL NOUNS!
Test how much you really know about regular and irregular plural nouns with this quiz.
Question 1 of 9
Which of the following nouns has an irregular plural form?
Origin of retain
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English reteinen, from Old French retenir, from Latin retinēre “to hold back, hold fast,” equivalent to re- re- + -tinēre, combining form of tenēre “to hold”
synonym study for retain
1. See keep.
OTHER WORDS FROM retain
Words nearby retain
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use retain in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for retain
retain
/ (rɪˈteɪn) /
verb (tr)
Derived forms of retain
retainable, adjectiveretainment, nounWord Origin for retain
C14: from Old French retenir, from Latin retinēre to hold back, from re- + tenēre to hold
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012