WordCmp.com

retain vs keep

keep vs retain

retain is not a noun while keep is a noun.

retain and keep both are verbs.

Word NounAdjectiveVerbAdverb
retain No No Yes No
keep Yes No Yes No
As verbs, keep is a hypernym of retain; that is, keep is a word with a broader meaning than retain:
  • retain: secure and keep for possible future use or application
  • keep: retain possession of
Other hypernyms of retain include hold on.
As verbs, retain and keep are synonyms defined as:
  • retain and keep: allow to remain in a place or position or maintain a property or feature
Other synonyms of retain include continue, keep on.
retain (noun) keep (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
retain (verb) keep (verb)
keep in one's mind prevent (food) from rotting
secure and keep for possible future use or application prevent the action or expression of
allow to remain in a place or position or maintain a property or feature stick to correctly or closely
hold back within maintain by writing regular records
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 retain and keep

© WordCmp.com 2024, CC-BY 4.0 / CC-BY-SA 3.0.