Pronunciation: [ɹɪtˈe͡ɪn] (IPA) 
The word "retain" /rɪˈteɪn/ is spelled with a "re-" prefix, meaning "again", and the base word "tain". The "tai" in "tain" is pronounced like the word "tay" /teɪ/ and the "n" is pronounced as usual. The spelling of this word is a reflection of its origin, which comes from the Latin word "retinere", meaning "to hold back, keep, retain". This word can be used in various contexts, such as retaining information or retaining employees.
Retain is a verb that refers to the act of keeping or preserving something, or to continue possessing or having control over it. When one retains something, they hold onto it, preventing its loss, disposal, or disappearance. It involves maintaining possession or control of an object, person, or concept for future use or reference.
In legal terms, to retain signifies hiring and paying an individual, typically a lawyer or other professional, to offer services or advice. This usage implies the act of securing their assistance for an extended duration.
Additionally, the term may be used to express the ability to recall or remember information, ideas, or experiences. In this context, when someone retains something in their memory, they are able to recall it accurately and mentally preserve it for later retrieval.
Retain can also be applied in a business context, indicating the act of keeping customers, clients, or employees. When a company is able to retain its customers, it means they are successful in ensuring their continued loyalty, repeat business, or satisfaction. Similarly, retaining employees entails efforts to keep staff members engaged, motivated, and committed to the organization, thus reducing turnover or attrition.
Overall, "retain" embodies the notions of keeping, preserving, possessing, maintaining, recalling or securing certain elements, whether objects, people, knowledge, or relationships, for a certain period of time or for future utilization.
To hold or keep in possession; to keep; to keep back; to hold from escape; to keep in pay; to employ by a fee paid.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word retain is derived from the Old French term retenir, which comes from the Latin word retinere. Retinere is a combination of the prefix re- meaning back or again, and the verb tenere, meaning to hold. Therefore, retain has a Latin origin, originally meaning to hold back or back again.
