retain
UK[rɪˈteɪn]US[rɪˈteɪn]
v
to keep or continue to have something, especially in a particular place or condition.
v
to remember information.
v
(law) to agree to pay a person or organization for their work or services, especially at an early stage.
Morpheme Breakdown
re
tain
re
again, back
tain
hold, keep
Etymology
the word "retain" entered english in the late 14th century from old french 'retenir', which itself descended from latin 'retinēre'. this latin verb is a compound of the prefix 're-' (meaning "back") and 'tenēre' (meaning "to hold"). the core logic is one of holding something back or keeping it in one's possession. over time, the sense of "holding back" expanded to include the abstract ideas of keeping something in memory or continuing to employ someone's services, always preserving the fundamental concept of maintaining possession or control.
Analysis
Structure: re (again, back) + tain (hold, keep)
re- is a Latin prefix meaning "again" or "back". -tain is from the Latin root 'tenēre', meaning "to hold, keep".
Examples
the interior of the house still retains much of its original charm.
she has a remarkable ability to retain complex information.
the company decided to retain a leading law firm for the merger.