Retain
/rɪˈteɪn/noun
To keep possession of; to hold on to.
Did you know?The word 'retain' traces back to concepts of holding and keeping, reminiscent of ancient rituals where possession was linked to power and identity.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ten-
“to stretch, extend, or hold”
Latin
Latin
retinere
“to hold back, keep, or restrain”
Old French
Old French
retenir
“to hold back, retain, or keep”
Middle English
Middle English
retenen
“to hold, keep, or maintain”
Modern English
English
retain
“to keep possession of or to hold onto something”