retaining
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.keeping something rather than losing it or giving it away.
v.the act of continuing to possess, use, or hold something; often used in business or cognitive contexts.
Simple“The company is focused on retaining its best employees by offering better benefits.”
In context“Retaining market share in such a volatile economy requires constant innovation and a deep understanding of shifting consumer preferences.”
UsageOften used as a gerund acting as the subject or object of a sentence.
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.designed to hold something back or keep it in a specific position.
adj.serving to keep something in place or to restrain movement, particularly in engineering or construction.
Simple“They built a retaining wall to stop the soil from sliding down the hill.”
In context“The structural integrity of the terrace depends entirely on the reinforced retaining wall at the base of the slope.”
UsageAlmost exclusively used before the noun it modifies, most commonly 'wall'.
Synonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
n.the act of holding onto something or keeping it.
n.the action of retaining or the state of being retained; a synonym for retention in specific formal contexts.
Simple“The retaining of these old records is required by law.”
In context“The systematic retaining of historical documents ensures that future generations can study the evolution of the city's architecture.”
Teacher's tipIn most modern contexts, 'retention' is the preferred noun form; 'retaining' as a noun feels more like a formal gerund.
“They say retaining a title is never easy.”
“Rather than searching for similarities between Wilmer’s arrangements and Gil’s work, the beauty of Parabólico is Wilmer’s ability to reinvent and expand this music while retaining elements of its soul.”