retention - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
retention Word Meanings
- the act of keeping something
- the ability to remember information
- the continuation of a process or state
retention Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
retention Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/rɪˈtɛnʃən/
US
/rɪˈtɛnʃən/
retention Word Etymology
re- = again + tentio = holding. Originated from Latin → Old French → English. Imagine holding onto an object tightly, trying not to drop it, symbolizing the act of retaining whatever is important.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Retention is the act of keeping something you value, whether a memory, a document, or a process. In everyday use, it often refers to memory: your ability to recall facts, names, or events over time. In business and technology, retention describes how well people stay with a product or service, how long data is stored, or how a process continues without interruption. The word comes from the same root as tent, hold, and the Latin re- tentio, suggesting a held onto state. Learners should keep straight three senses: memory retention, retention of information; retention of customers or users; and process retention in operations. Common collocations include memory retention, retention rate, data retention.
Usage Reminders
- • Remember three senses: memory, staying with something, and ongoing maintenance.
- • Use retention rate for loyalty or repeat usage.
- • Distinguish memory retention from data retention.
- • Pair with retain when talking about holding onto something, not just recalling it.
- • Common collocations: memory retention, data retention, retention policy.
Common Misconceptions
- Retention = memory alone; it also means keeping a thing or a process over time.
- Retention is only about customers; it does not apply to data or memory.
- Data retention and data storage are the same thing.
- Retention rate can describe a single moment, not a trend.
- Remember and retain have identical meanings in all contexts.
Thinking Differences
English uses retention as a broad umbrella term that neatly covers memory, loyalty, and ongoing maintenance, so learners must watch for context clues to pick the right sense.
Learning Tips
- Focus on three senses (memory, staying with something, ongoing maintenance).
- Practice with collocations: memory retention, retention rate, data retention.
- Differentiate retention from retain vs remember in context.
- Use real-world examples to see which sense fits.
- Check verb forms: retain vs be retained, retaining.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'retention' mean?
A.Forget
B.Keep
C.Understand
D.Throw
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'retention' used correctly?
A.She retention the book to the library.
B.He forgot the key due to retention.
C.The retention of the product was intentional.
D.The student's retention of information was impressive.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'retention'?
A.Discard
B.Memory
C.Omit
D.Release
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'retention'?
A.Dispose
B.Retention
C.Abandon
D.Recall
Step 5: Mastery
How is 'retention' important in school settings?
A.By ensuring students keep and understand what they learn
B.By aiding in the process of forgetting unnecessary details
C.By helping students recall information easily
D.By preventing students from learning new material
Related Listening
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