retired - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
retired Word Meanings
- to stop working permanently, usually due to age
- to withdraw from active life or duty
- to go to bed or to a quiet place
retired Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
retired Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/rɪˈtaɪə/
US
/rɪˈtaɪɚ/
retired Word Etymology
re- = back + tire = to draw together. French 'retirer' → English 'retire'. Picture someone stepping back from a busy life into a relaxing retirement setting, maybe a beach or a quiet garden.
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 InputEnglish Brain Route
I stand up from the desk, push back the chair, and move toward the quiet hall. The glow on the monitor fades as the room changes from busy to calm. A slow shift inside settles into a decision, a sense of relief that it might be time to retire from the daily grind. I set my shoulders lighter, let the evening begin, and keep the pace gentle.
Real Context
Retire means to stop working permanently, usually due to age, or to withdraw from active life or duty, and it can also mean going to bed or to a quiet place. In English we often talk about retirement as a stage in life when someone leaves the workforce and their daily work routine ends, but it can also be used more broadly to mean stepping back from any demanding activity. The phrase to retire can also appear in expressions like retire for the night, retire from a role, or retire a debt, where the sense is to withdraw or rest in a peaceful way.
Usage Reminders
- Remember that retire is mainly about stopping work or withdrawing from activity; use retired as the adjective for someone who has stopped working; retire for the night means go to bed; avoid confusing with quit or leave; retirement is the noun; collocations include retire from a job, retiree, retirement savings.
Common Misconceptions
- Retire means quitting a job only when very old, not when switching careers earlier.
- Retire is not the same as resign, which is voluntary leaving a job for various reasons.
- Retire does not mean to take a short break from work.
- Retire is not used for non-work activities like returning early from a hobby.
- Retirement is about long-term cessation, not a single day off.
Thinking Differences
English-speakers often distinguish retirement as a long-term life phase from simply quitting a job; learners may overgeneralize retire to mean any leave, or confuse it with stop or quit.
Learning Tips
- Learn the common phrasal patterns: retire from a job, retire to a quiet life, retire for the night.
- Differentiate retire from stop, quit, resign, and withdraw.
- Pair retirement with related nouns: retirement, retiree, retirement savings.
- Practice form: retire (v), retired (adj/participle), retirement (n).
- Use context clues: housekeeping, pensions, aging, and lifestyle scenarios.
- Watch for idioms: 'retire gracefully' and 'retire into obscurity' (less common).
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'retired'?
A.Leave
B.Tired
C.Stop working
D.Active
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'retired' used correctly?
A.She is very active and retired.
B.The cat retired quickly.
C.I am tired, so I retired early today.
D.He retired from his job at 65.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'retired'?
A.Energetic
B.Working
C.Youthful
D.Resign
Step 4: Opposite Words
Which word is an antonym of 'retired'?
A.Engaged
B.Productive
C.Active
D.Busy
Step 5: Mastery
How does someone typically feel when they have retired?
A.Energetic and busy
B.Tired and unmotivated
C.Excited and hopeful
D.Relaxed and content
Related Listening
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