Retrieve

Definition

Retrieve refers to the act of getting back or recovering something that has been lost, misplaced, or desired.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /rɪˈtriːv/
• Respelling: ri-TREEV (with "ri" as in "rid," and "TREEV" as in "leave")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /rɪˈtriːv/
• Respelling: ri-TREEV (similar to American English, with "ri" as in "rid," and "TREEV" as in "leave")

In both dialects, "retrieve" is pronounced with the stress on the second syllable, "TREEV," following the short "ri" sound. The pronunciation is consistent across both American and British English, making the word straightforward to recognize and pronounce.

Etymology

The word "retrieve" comes from the Old French word "retreuver," which in itself is derived from the prefix "re-" meaning again, and "trover" meaning to find.

Derivatives

• Retrieval
• Retriever
• Retrieveable
• Retrieving
• Unretrieved

Synonyms

• Recover
• Regain
• Reclaim

Antonyms

• Lose
• Misplace
• Forfeit

Usage

"Retrieve" is a word commonly used when referring to getting something back, especially when it has been lost or misplaced. It is also used in digital contexts to refer to accessing stored information.

Related Terms

• Recovery
• Retrieval system
• Data retrieval

Detailed Definition

Verb

• Recover: To get back or regain possession of something lost or misplaced.‍
• Example: He managed to retrieve the ball from the other side of the fence.

• Access (Information): To access or bring forth stored or archived information.‍
• Example: The system can retrieve data from the database quickly.

• Correct or Amend: To correct a situation or amend a mistake.‍
• Example: She attempted to retrieve the situation by apologizing for the misunderstanding.