English dictionary
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English verb: retain | |||
| 1. | retain (stative) hold back within | ||
| Samples | This soil retains water. I retain this drug for a long time. The dam retains the water. | ||
| Pattern of use | Somebody ----s something. Something ----s something | ||
| Broader (hypernym) | bear, carry, contain, hold | ||
| 2. | retain (social) allow to remain in a place or position or maintain a property or feature | ||
| Samples | We cannot continue several servants any longer. She retains a lawyer. The family's fortune waned and they could not keep their household staff. Our grant has run out and we cannot keep you on. We kept the work going as long as we could. She retained her composure. This garment retains its shape even after many washings. | ||
| Synonyms | continue, keep, keep on | ||
| Pattern of use | Somebody ----s somebody. Something ----s somebody | ||
| Broader (hypernym) | keep up, prolong, sustain | ||
| Verb group | continue, persist in | ||
| 3. | retain (possession) secure and keep for possible future use or application | ||
| Samples | The landlord retained the security deposit. I reserve the right to disagree. | ||
| Synonyms | hold, hold back, keep back | ||
| Pattern of use | Somebody ----s something | ||
| Broader (hypernym) | hold on, keep | ||
| Narrower (hyponym) | hold down | ||
| 4. | retain (cognition) keep in one's mind | ||
| Samples | I cannot retain so much information. | ||
| Examples | They won't retain the story | ||
| Pattern of use | Somebody ----s something | ||
| Broader (hypernym) | remember, think of | ||
Based on WordNet 3.0 copyright © Princeton University.
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Web design: Orcapia v/Per Bang. English edition: .
2024 onlineordbog.dk