retain
verb (used with object)
to keep possession of.
was retaining
-
past progressiveof retain.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Her team has not confirmed how much she is holding back although it said she was retaining some kind of financial buffer.
From BBC ● Jan. 10, 2024
But in the ensuing days, she lost the sight in one eye and gained 14 pounds because she was retaining water.
From New York Times ● Jun. 2, 2023
A company executive said then that the company was retaining “an independent expert team” to review the actions of managers and employees leading up to when the tornado struck the factory.
From Seattle Times ● Jun. 23, 2022
The rest of his body was retaining so much fluid that fluid was going into his lungs, too.
From Fox News ● Mar. 23, 2022
If she understood from that that it was still in my possession, and that I was retaining it for any purpose whatever, she was grievously mistaken in my words.
From Mysterious Mr. Sabin by E. Phillips (Edward Phillips) Oppenheim
