Retired

Definition

The word "retired" refers to a state of having left one's job or profession, typically after reaching an age of eligibility or for other personal reasons. It can also describe a person who is withdrawn from active or public life.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /rɪˈtaɪrd/
• Respelling: ri-TYRD

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /rɪˈtaɪəd/
• Respelling: ri-TY-uhd

Etymology

The word "retired" originates from the French "retirer," meaning "to withdraw," derived from "re-" (back) and "tirer" (to pull). It entered Middle English in the 15th century, initially describing withdrawal from public or active life.

Derivatives

• Retirement (noun)
• Retiree (noun)
• Retiring (adjective/verb)
• Unretired (adjective)
• Retirer (noun, rare)

Synonyms

• Withdrawn
• Pensioned
• Inactive

Antonyms

• Active
• Employed
• Working

Usage

The adjective "retired" is often used to describe individuals who have left professional life, such as in, "She is a retired teacher," or "He enjoys a retired lifestyle in the countryside."

Related Terms

• Pension: A regular payment made to retired individuals.
• Withdrawal: The act of stepping back from active engagement.
• Resignation: The act of voluntarily leaving a position or job.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• No longer working, having left a job or profession: Refers to someone who has exited their career, often due to age.
  • Example: "My grandfather is a retired firefighter."
• Withdrawn from public or active life: Describes someone who has removed themselves from prominent or busy engagements.
  • Example: "The artist lived a quiet, retired life after leaving the city."
• Describing a place or lifestyle characterized by seclusion: Refers to an environment or life away from the public eye.
  • Example: "They moved to a retired cabin in the woods."