retentive
UK[rɪˈtentɪv]US[rɪˈtentɪv]
adj
having the ability to remember facts, impressions, etc. well
adj
having the ability to hold or contain something
Morpheme Breakdown
re
tent
ive
re
again
tent
hold
ive
adjective suffix
Etymology
the word "retentive" originates from the latin verb 'tenēre', meaning "to hold," which itself is derived from the proto-indo-european root ten-, signifying "to stretch." the addition of the latin prefix 're-', meaning "back" or "again," creates the sense of "holding back" or "holding onto." the adjective-forming suffix '-ivus' was then appended, producing the late latin term 'retentivus'. this etymological journey from the literal concept of "holding back" evolved into the modern english abstract meanings related to the capacity of the mind to hold memories or of a substance to hold contents.
Analysis
Structure: re (again) + tent (hold) + ive (adjective suffix)
re: latin origin, a prefix meaning "again" or "back".
tent: from latin 'tentus', the past participle stem of 'tenēre', meaning "to hold".
ive: from latin suffix '-ivus', forming adjectives meaning "tending to" or "having the nature of".
Examples
she has a remarkably retentive memory for historical dates.
the soil in this area is very retentive of moisture.
his retentive mind made him an excellent student of languages.