retain
She managed to retain her composure during the stressful meeting.
She kept her calm and self-control despite the pressure.
to keep possession of something; not give up or lose
The company decided to retain its employees despite financial difficulties.
The company chose to keep its employees even though it was struggling financially.
He retained his title as champion for three consecutive years.
He successfully defended his champion title for three years in a row.
Often used in legal, business, or personal contexts to describe holding onto something valuable or important.
to keep someone in a position or role
The CEO announced plans to retain key executives after the merger.
The CEO stated that important leaders would stay in their roles after the company combined with another.
Common in corporate settings when discussing employee retention strategies.
to keep a memory or skill in one's mind
She has retained her knowledge of French from her childhood.
She still remembers French from when she was a child.
Used to describe the ability to remember or continue using a skill or information over time.
Collocations
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Usage
'Retain' is often used in formal or professional contexts, such as business or legal settings.
Gold Rule
Formal vs. Informal
Use 'retain' in formal writing or professional communication. For casual speech, 'keep' or 'hold onto' may be more appropriate.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'retenen', from Old French 'retenir', from Latin 'retinere' (to hold back, keep), from 're-' (back) + 'tenere' (to hold).
Usage Notes
Can be used in both literal and figurative contexts. Often implies intentional effort to keep something.