retiring
UK[rɪˈtaɪərɪŋ]US[rɪˈtaɪrɪŋ]
adj
preferring to avoid the company of others; shy and reserved.
adj
(of a person) leaving one's job and ceasing to work, typically upon reaching a certain age.
Morpheme Breakdown
re
tir
ing
re
again, back
tir
draw
ing
adjective suffix
Etymology
the word "retiring" is built upon the verb "retire", which entered english in the 16th century from the french "retirer", meaning "to withdraw". the french term is a compound of the latin prefix "re-" (back) and the verb "tirer" (to draw). the literal sense is thus "to draw back". the present participle form "retiring" developed adjectival meanings in english. the primary modern sense of "shy and withdrawn" directly reflects this core idea of drawing back from social engagement. the specific meaning related to leaving employment is a later semantic specialization, applying the concept of withdrawal to one's occupational life.
Analysis
Structure: re (again, back) + tir (draw) + ing (adjective suffix)
- re: from latin, a prefix meaning "again" or "back".
- tir: from old french "tirer" (to draw, pull), itself of uncertain, possibly germanic origin.
- ing: from old english "-ende", a suffix forming present participles and adjectives.
Examples
she was of a quiet and retiring disposition, preferring books to parties.
after forty years of service, the retiring principal was given a warm send-off.
he took a retiring room at the back of the house, away from the noise of the street.