retain

US /rɪˈteɪn/
UK /rɪˈteɪn/
"retain" picture
1.

continue to have (something); keep possession of

:
•
She managed to retain her composure despite the bad news.
•
The company decided to retain its current employees.
:
keepholdpreservemaintainconserve
2.

absorb and continue to hold (a substance)

:
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The soil can retain a lot of water.
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These plants are good at retaining moisture.
:
absorbsoak upholdcontain
3.

keep in one's memory

:
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It's hard to retain all the information from the lecture.
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He has an amazing ability to retain facts.
:
rememberrecallmemorizelearn
4.

secure the services of (a lawyer, etc.) with a preliminary payment

:
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The company decided to retain a new law firm.
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He paid a fee to retain the services of a consultant.
:
hireemployengagecommission
:
retainerretained earnings