retain meaning

USAGE SUMMARY

"retain meaning" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you wish to refer to preserving the original sense or significance of a statement or phrase. For example, "We carefully edited the document to retain meaning without changing the original structure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

He wants his work to retain meaning for a very long time.

The New Yorker

Language used by participants was used as much as possible at this stage to retain meaning and context in the data.

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But beyond the consumer recycling, there's a reason grunge still retains meaning.

The Guardian - Opinion

They have created a method of performing that transcends style while retaining meaning - in the most stylish way possible.

The Guardian - Music

But sex has retained meaning to me.

Vice

Even in later life, a degree of plasticity is retained, meaning that lifestyle and environmental alterations can potentially influence brain health [ 5].

BMC Psychiatry

After some algebra, we obtain: (6) ∂ G ∂ t = [ s (ξ ∂ ∂ ξ + 1 ) − σ (1 − η ∂ ∂ η ) − c η ∂ ∂ η + u (ξ − 1 ) 2 (1 − ξ N ∂ ∂ ξ ) + v (η − 1 ) 2 (1 − η ∂ ∂ η ) ] G, where only terms of order greater than or equal to u, v are retained, meaning that terms composed of the products s, c, and u, v are omitted.

eLife

In wild-type mouse spermatogenesis, sperm are rarely retained, meaning that at stage IX the only germ cell types that are seen are type A spermatogonia, leptotene spermatocytes, pachytene seprmatocytes and step 9 elongating spermatids (moving from the basement membrane towards the lumen).

Human Reproduction Update

Examine each one and decide whether you've used the fewest words possible while still retaining meaning.

WikiHow

No matter how much culture has become globalized, art retains meanings specific to a certain time and place.

The New York Times - Arts

It will also help the soil retain moisture, meaning you don't have to water as often.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When editing or translating text, prioritize using "retain meaning" to ensure the core message remains consistent and understandable. For instance, if simplifying a complex sentence, focus on retaining the original meaning while using simpler language.

Common error

Avoid over-simplifying a message to the point where key nuances are lost. While clarity is important, ensure that the depth and complexity of the original meaning are retained when using the phrase "retain meaning".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "retain meaning" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, indicating the act of preserving or maintaining the original sense or significance of something. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. The examples in Ludwig illustrate how this phrase is employed in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

40%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "retain meaning" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies the preservation of original sense or significance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in discussions about translation, editing, and summarizing. Usage spans from neutral news articles to formal scientific papers, and while oversimplification can be a pitfall, maintaining the essence of the message is key. Related phrases like "preserve the significance" or "keep meaning intact" offer alternatives for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep meaning intact

A more succinct way of expressing retaining meaning, focusing on integrity

maintain the sense

Emphasizes keeping the understanding or logic intact.

preserve the significance

Focuses on maintaining the importance or value.

ensure consistent meaning

Highlights the act of guaranteeing that the meaning is not lost

safeguard the essence

Stresses protecting the most important part or quality.

keep the original intent

Highlights preserving the initial purpose or aim.

sustain the interpretation

Focuses on preserving a specific understanding or reading.

uphold the denotation

Stresses maintaining the literal or dictionary definition.

hold onto the message

Emphasizes not losing the core communication.

conserve the implication

Highlights saving the suggested or understood meaning.

FAQs

How can I use "retain meaning" in a sentence?

You can use "retain meaning" to describe the act of preserving the original sense of something, as in: "The translated document was carefully reviewed to "retain meaning" from the original text."

What's a good alternative to "retain meaning"?

Alternatives include "preserve the significance", "maintain the sense", or "keep meaning intact", depending on the specific context.

How does "retain meaning" differ from "maintain context"?

"Retain meaning" focuses on preserving the original message, while "maintain context" emphasizes keeping the surrounding circumstances or background information relevant and understood. The two are not mutually exclusive.

Is it always necessary to "retain meaning" when summarizing information?

Yes, it is crucial to "retain meaning" when summarizing to avoid misrepresenting the original source. The goal is to convey the essence of the information accurately, even in a condensed form.