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retain

[/rɪˈteɪn/]
verb
reter
1. to keep or continue to have something
She retained her position as manager.
Ela reteve sua posição como gerente.
2. to hold something firmly in the mind or memory
He found it difficult to retain the information.
Ele achou difícil reter a informação.
3. to employ someone (especially a professional) on a permanent or semi-permanent basis
They retained a lawyer for the case.
Eles contrataram um advogado para o caso.
4. to keep or contain something within
The soil retains moisture.
O solo retém a umidade.
Synonyms
keepholdmaintainpreserverememberrecallemploy
Antonyms
releaseabandondiscardforgetlosedismiss

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
reter
Most common usage across Brazil
General Brazilian
manter
Used when emphasizing 'to keep' or 'to maintain'
Portugal
reter
Standard usage in European Portuguese
Portugal
conservar
Alternative when emphasizing preservation

Related Idioms & Phrases

retain one's composure - keep calm
retain one's dignity - maintain self-respect
retain counsel - hire a lawyer
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