retained Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb hold back within
    retain.
    • This soil retains water
    • I retain this drug for a long time
    • the dam retains the water
  2. verb allow to remain in a place or position or maintain a property or feature
    retain; continue; keep on; keep.
    • We cannot continue several servants any longer
    • She retains a lawyer
    • The family's fortune waned and they could not keep their household staff
    • Our grant has run out and we cannot keep you on
    • We kept the work going as long as we could
    • She retained her composure
    • this garment retains its shape even after many washings
  3. verb secure and keep for possible future use or application
    retain; keep back; hold; hold back.
    • The landlord retained the security deposit
    • I reserve the right to disagree
  4. verb keep in one's mind
    retain.
    • I cannot retain so much information
  5. adjective satellite continued in your keeping or use or memory
    maintained.
    • in...the retained pattern of dancers and guests remembered

WordNet