"Retainer" Natural Recordings by Native Speakers
A retainer is a person or thing that keeps something in a particular position or state, often by applying gentle pressure or support.
In dentistry, a retainer is a device used to maintain the position of teeth that have been straightened with braces or other orthodontic appliances.
In law, a retainer is a lawyer or firm that is hired to represent one party in a case, but is not the main lawyer on the case.
In business, a retainer is a fee or payment paid to someone to provide ongoing services, but not necessarily for a specific project or task.
In sport, a retainer can refer to a person who helps to keep the ball in play or maintain the game state, for example, a goalkeeper in hockey or soccer.
The act of selling goods or products directly to customers, typically in small quantities, usually through a store, an online platform, or a mobile stall, rather than through a wholesale or bulk sale.
The term "retails" can refer to several related concepts:<br><br>1. <strong>Goods or Services Selling at Wholesale and Retail Prices</strong>: In economics and business, retail refers to the activity of selling products or services directly to end-consumers, as opposed to wholesalers, who sell products to retailers or other businesses at a lower, wholesale price. Retail involves providing goods or services at a markup, in the hope of making a profit.<br><br>2. <strong>Offline Shops or Online Platforms</strong>:<br> - <strong>Retail Stores</strong>: Physical stores or market stalls that sell goods to end-users. This can include brick-and-mortar stores, shopping malls, and street markets.<br> - <strong>Retail Websites</strong>: Virtual versions of retail stores that sell goods or services online. Customers can browse and order products from the comfort of their homes and have them delivered or shipped to them.<br><br>3. <strong>Retailing as a Business Activity</strong>: Retail is an industry that involves selling goods or services directly to customers. Retailers use various strategies to attract and retain customers, such as offering quality products, competitive pricing, promotions, publicizing through advertising, and improving customer service.<br><br>4. <strong>Retail in General</strong>: Retail can also metaphorically extend to publishing industry, where the finished product (book or magazine literally) is distributed and sold to customers, as opposed to going through an intermediary. This term can apply to any sector or product for which the end consumer interacts or buys directly.
Retainers are:<br><br> People who have a financial arrangement to support or maintain someone, especially a celebrity or a public figure.<br> Dentures or other devices used to hold a dental appliance in place, such as a partial denture.<br> A fee or payment paid to someone, especially a lawyer or a financial advisor, to provide ongoing services or support.<br> A device used to hold something in place, such as a retainer clip or retainer ring.
The word "retaining" can have several meanings depending on the context:<br><br>1. Holding onto something: To keep or maintain something in a particular state or condition, such as "retaining her job."<br>2. Keeping possession of something: To possess or hold onto a piece of property, possession, or a right, such as "retaining title to the house."<br>3. Preserving a quality or characteristic: To keep or maintain a particular quality or characteristic, such as "retaining her youthfulness."<br><br>In general, "retaining" implies the idea of keeping or holding onto something, whether it be a physical object, a situation, a relationship, or a quality.
Retains refers to the act of holding onto or keeping something in one's possession or control, even after the initial period of possession or control has ended. It can also mean to hold back or restrain one's emotions or ability, often for a short period of time.<br><br>For example:<br><br>- The company retains its employees despite the financial difficulties.<br>- She retains a smile as she remembers the happy memory.<br><br>Related words: keep, hold, preserve, maintain, restrain.