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retain

Pronunciation: [rɪˈteɪn]

Word

Learn how to use retain in a sentence: 9 audio examples across 3 meanings.

Context: “memory”

(verb) to keep something in your mind or not forget it. It's like remembering your friend's name or a special birthday.

Example

I can easily retain the names of my classmates after meeting them a few times.

Example

He struggled to retain the information from the lesson because it was too complicated.

Example

How do you think we can better retain what we learn in school?

Context: “possession”

(verb) to keep something in your possession or not let it go. Like when you borrow a book from the library but decide to hold on to it a bit longer.

Example

She chose to retain her old toys because they hold special memories.

Example

He didn't retain the car after selling it; he had to find a new one.

Example

What items do you wish to retain from your childhood?

Context: “employment”

(verb) to keep someone in a job or position. For example, an employer may want to retain a good worker instead of letting them go.

Example

The company is doing everything possible to retain talented employees.

Example

They lost many skilled workers because they could not retain them during the layoffs.

Example

What strategies can we use to retain our best employees?

How to pronounce retain

Pronunciation: [rɪˈteɪn]

Listen and repeat as many times as you need.

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