及物动词
1. 保留;保持;保存
To retain something means to continue to have that thing.
2. 预聘，付定金聘请（律师）
If you retain a lawyer, you pay him or her a fee to make sure that he or she will represent you when your case comes before the court.
1. keep in one's mind
e.g. I cannot retain so much information
2. secure and keep for possible future use or application
e.g. The landlord retained the security deposit
I reserve the right to disagree
Synonym: holdkeep backhold back
3. allow to remain in a place or position or maintain a property or feature
e.g. We cannot continue several servants any longer
She retains a lawyer
The family's fortune waned and they could not keep their household staff
Our grant has run out and we cannot keep you on
We kept the work going as long as we could
She retained her composure
this garment retains its shape even after many washings
4. hold back within
e.g. This soil retains water
I retain this drug for a long time
the dam retains the water