Definition

Someone who is shy and prefers to keep to themselves rather than being outgoing or social.

Example

She is a retiring person who enjoys spending time alone with her books.

Conversation

I met your new neighbor yesterday; she seems quite retiring.

Yeah, she’s a bit shy, but really nice once you get to know her.

I thought she was really retiring when she didn’t say much at first.

Exactly! It takes her some time to warm up to people.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Retiring is formed from "re-" (meaning again or back) and "tire" (from Old French *tirer*, meaning to draw or pull). The word describes the act of withdrawing or pulling back, often from work or active life.

Memory Tip

Think of someone 'pulling back' ('tire') from their duties 'again' ('re-') — that's why retiring means stepping back from work.

Visually Confused Words