RETAINED Meaning and
Definition
-
Retained, as a verb, refers to the action of keeping or holding onto something or someone, often in the context of maintaining possession, custody or ownership. It implies that the item or entity in question remains under one's control or within one's vicinity.
In a legal context, retained can describe a situation where a lawyer is hired or appointed to represent a client and is therefore legally bound to provide professional counsel and advocacy on their behalf. This term emphasizes the idea of the lawyer being retained or engaged by the client to handle their legal matters, signifying a formal agreement or arrangement.
Moreover, in business or accounting terms, retained represents the portion of a company's earnings that are not distributed as dividends to shareholders but instead are reinvested back into the business for various purposes, such as expansion, research and development, or debt reduction. This retained portion contributes to the company's equity, and it essentially represents the accumulated profits or losses of the business since its inception.
Overall, whether referring to the act of holding onto something, such as possessions or legal representation, or in the context of finances and business, retained characterizes a state of possession or control being maintained, with the implication of an ongoing relationship between the retainer and the retainee.
Common Misspellings for RETAINED
Etymology of RETAINED
The word "retained" originated from the Old French term "retenir", which can be traced back to the Latin word "retinēre". In Latin, "retinēre" is a combination of the preposition "re-" meaning "back" or "against", and the verb "tenēre" meaning "to hold". Thus, the etymology of "retained" conveys the idea of holding or keeping something back.
Similar spelling words for RETAINED
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
