Retenait (en. Held back)

/ʁə.tə.nɛ/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

verb

To have control over something, to prevent its exit or loss.

He was holding back his tears during the ceremony.

Il retenait ses larmes durant la cérémonie.

To keep something in memory.

She was retaining all the important information for the exam.

Elle retenait toutes les informations importantes pour l'examen.

To hold a person or group in captivity.

The conditions were so harsh that they were still holding their prisoners.

Les conditions étaient si dures qu'ils retenaient encore leurs prisonniers.

From the verb 'retenir', itself composed of 're-' and 'tenir'.

to hold one's breath

To wait with impatience or anxiety.

retenir son souffle

to hold someone

To prevent someone from leaving or moving away.

retenir quelqu'un

to capture attention

To captivate someone's interest.

retenir l'attention

to hold

The act of keeping or retaining something.

retenir

holder

One who occupies a place, space, or position.

tenant

reserve

The action of holding something for future use.

réserve

To keep to oneself

He kept the best for himself.

Il a retenu le meilleur pour lui.

The act of not forgetting

She retained the advice of her mentor.

Elle a retenu les conseils de son mentor.