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keep vs retain

retain vs keep

keep is a noun but retain is not a noun.

keep and retain both are verbs.

Word NounAdjectiveVerbAdverb
keep Yes No Yes No
retain No No Yes No
As verbs, retain is a hyponym of keep; that is, retain is a word with a more specific, narrower meaning than keep:
  • keep: retain possession of
  • retain: secure and keep for possible future use or application
As verbs, keep and retain are synonyms defined as:
  • keep and retain: allow to remain in a place or position or maintain a property or feature
Other synonyms of keep include continue, keep on.
keep (noun) retain (noun)
the main tower within the walls of a medieval castle or fortress
a cell in a jail or prison
the financial means whereby one lives
keep (verb) retain (verb)
prevent (food) from rotting keep in one's mind
prevent the action or expression of secure and keep for possible future use or application
stick to correctly or closely allow to remain in a place or position or maintain a property or feature
maintain by writing regular records hold back within
supply with necessities and support
hold and prevent from leaving
retain possession of
look after; be the keeper of; have charge of
retain rights to
maintain for use and service
have as a supply
store or keep customarily
stop (someone or something) from doing something or being in a certain state
allow to remain in a place or position or maintain a property or feature
conform one's action or practice to
behave as expected during of holidays or rites
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity
supply with room and board
maintain in safety from injury, harm, or danger
fail to spoil or rot
continue a certain state, condition, or activity
to rear
Difference between keep and retain

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