Retain

To keep possession of (something) or keep (something) in one's possession or memory; to continue to have or hold; to maintain (something) in a particular state or condition; to absorb and keep in a material; to employ the services of (someone), especially a lawyer, by paying them a fee; to remember and be able to recall; to hold or maintain. The word implies a conscious effort to keep something, whether it be a physical object, information, or a quality.

Retain meaning with examples

• After the sale, the company chose to retain ownership of the original factory. This decision allowed them to have control over future potential developments and use it as a storage facility, reducing their need to lease property and potentially increasing profits.
• Despite the budget cuts, the museum was determined to retain its commitment to public education and outreach programs. They looked for alternative funding, reorganized departments, and worked to retain their valued employees by offering incentives, even if they couldn't give a raise.
• She struggled to retain the details of the long, complex legal contract. She reread each section several times, making notes and creating summaries. She would also schedule short breaks to retain the information without causing mental fatigue.
• The lawyer was ecstatic to retain the services of a well-known consultant for her case, which significantly bolstered the chances of a win in the ongoing trial. She paid a large retainer, ensuring they worked solely for her and guaranteeing they could use her resources.