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to retain
01
to keep something in one's thoughts or mental awareness
Transitive: to retain a memory or knowledge
Examples
Even after many years, she could still retain vivid memories of her childhood home.
02
to keep what one has or to continue having something
Transitive: to retain a physical or abstract possession
Grammatical Information
Composition
Simple
state verb
regular
present tense
retain
3rd person singular
retains
present participle
retaining
past simple
retained
past participle
retained
Examples
The antique shop owner decided to retain a few rare pieces in the collection.
03
to absorb and keep a substance within a particular object or material
Transitive: to retain a material
Examples
Bath towels made of high-quality cotton retain moisture well.
04
to intentionally keep, maintain, or preserve something in its current state, resisting removal, elimination, or alteration
Transitive: to retain sth
Examples
The small town decided to retain its annual summer festival as a cherished tradition.
Lexical Tree
retained
retainer
retention
retain
