Meaning & Definition of word "Retrieve"

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    Retrieve

    /rɪˈtriːv/

    verb:

    • 1. to get something back; to recover something that was lost or misplaced.
      • Example: The dog was trained to retrieve the ball after it was thrown.
    • 2. to access and bring back data from a computer system or database.
      • Example: The software can retrieve the information quickly from the cloud.
    • 3. to remember or recall information or memories.
      • Example: She struggled to retrieve the name of the actor from her memory.

    Etymology

    Middle English: from Old French 'retrouver' (to find again), from re- 'again' + trouver 'to find'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    retrieve memory:

    to recall or bring back a memory

    retrieve data:

    to access and obtain data from a system

    retrieve an item:

    to go and get an item that has been left or lost

    Related Words

    recover:

    to get back something that was lost or taken away

    reclaim:

    to recover something that was lost or taken

    fetch:

    to go for and then bring back

    Slang Meanings of retrieve

    Meaning: to get something back in a sneaky or clever way

    Example Sentence: He managed to retrieve his phone from her bag when she wasn't looking.