re-

back, again; restoration or reversal

Forms

re-
red- — An early Latin form used before vowels and h.

Origin

Its ancestry before Latin is uncertain.

Note

In some old compounds the prefix adds emphasis, while in others its separate contribution has become unclear.

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verb

retain

rih-TAYN/rɪˈteɪn/

To keep something in one's possession.

She retains the red book while giving the others away.

While handing away a stack of books, a woman keeps one distinctive red book firmly tucked under her other arm.

Etymology

reLatinback, again; restoration or reversal

+tainLatinhold, keep

The underlying image is holding something back: keeping it rather than letting it go. That connection links the Latin sense of holding back with continuing to possess something.

In context

Go Discover16:18

… slowly cooked for hours to retain the full flavor of the sea. A serving like this can cost between $300 and $500.

Top 10 Rare Abalone Catches in California Worth Millions | Fishing Documentary

More examples

Please retain your receipt until the refund arrives.
He retains information better when he takes notes.
The author retains the rights to her work.

Forms

retain · retains · retained · retaining

retention noun — The act of keeping or holding something.

Similar words

keep: Keep is more common and less formal than retain.
hold: Hold often suggests temporary possession or direct physical control.