retaining
Pronunciation: [rɪˈteɪ.nɪŋ]
Context: “holding on to something”
(verb) to keep something in your possession or continue to have it. It's like when you hold on to your favorite toy so you can play with it again later.
Example
She is retaining her skills in painting by practicing every day.
Example
He is not retaining any of the information from the lesson because he didn't pay attention.
Example
What techniques can help you in retaining information better?
Context: “keeping someone in a position”
(verb) to continue to have someone in a job or a certain situation. Like when a coach decides to keep a player on the team because they are doing great.
Example
The company is retaining its best employees by offering good benefits.
Example
They are not retaining any of the staff due to budget cuts.
Example
What strategies does the team use for retaining talented players?
Context: “preserving resources”
(verb) to hold onto liquids or keep them from escaping. This is similar to when you hold a cup tightly so the water doesn't spill out.
Example
The sponge is good at retaining water, making it perfect for cleaning.
Example
This cloth is not retaining any moisture; it dries out too quickly.
Example
How well does the material retain heat?