verb
retain
rih-TAYN/rɪˈteɪn/
To keep something in one's possession.
She retains the red book while giving the others away.
Etymology
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
… slowly cooked for hours to retain the full flavor of the sea. A serving like this can cost between $300 and $500.
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.