Retain Meaning
Retain Definition & Usage
To keep or continue to have something in one's possession or memory.
Examples
- "She managed to retain the leadership position despite the challenges."
- "The company worked hard to retain its loyal customers."
- "I can’t retain all the information from this book in my mind."
- "His calm demeanor helped him retain control of the situation."
- "The museum aims to retain a collection of rare and valuable artifacts."
To engage or hire someone to perform a service, typically on a contract basis.
Examples
- "The law firm was retained to represent the company in court."
- "She decided to retain a private investigator to follow her suspicions."
- "They retained a consultant to help with the restructuring process."
- "The client retained our services for an additional year."
- "The artist was retained by the museum to create a new exhibit."
To maintain or preserve knowledge, skills, or information over time.
Examples
- "He struggled to retain the information from his lectures."
- "It’s important to practice regularly if you want to retain what you've learned."
- "She retained her fluency in Spanish after living abroad for years."
- "Students often retain more knowledge through hands-on experience."
- "I find it easier to retain facts when I write them down."
Cultural Context
The word 'retain' originates from the Latin 'retinere,' meaning 'to hold back, keep.' It has been widely used in various contexts, from the legal domain to everyday language, where it reflects the act of holding on to something—whether it’s knowledge, control, or a physical object.
The Decision to Retain
Story
The Decision to Retain
In the bustling city of Greendale, Emma found herself at a crossroads. As the new manager of a local bookstore, she was tasked with ensuring the store's survival during an increasingly digital world. The competition was fierce, but Emma believed that retaining the bookstore’s original charm and unique collection of books was key to its success. She knew she needed to retain loyal customers, so she implemented a series of community events, such as book readings and author signings, to keep them engaged. One afternoon, a businessman named Greg entered the store. He was known for buying out small businesses, but Emma wasn’t sure what his intentions were. He asked her to consider selling, but Emma was determined to retain ownership. Despite the challenges, she was resolute about not letting go of the store that had been in her family for generations. As she made her way home that evening, Emma reflected on the importance of retention. It wasn’t just about the business—it was about the stories, memories, and knowledge the bookstore had helped preserve over the years. Retaining this legacy meant keeping the essence of the community alive. The next day, she decided to retain a marketing consultant, an expert in small business branding, to help her further build the store’s unique appeal. With his help, she launched a successful online campaign that brought more customers to the store. Months later, the store was thriving. The community was united, and Greg, realizing Emma’s commitment to retaining the essence of the bookstore, withdrew his offer to buy it out. In the end, Emma not only retained control of her family’s business but also retained the community’s trust and respect. Through perseverance, she had held onto the core values that made her bookstore special. Retention, after all, was about more than just holding on—it was about preserving what truly mattered.
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