Definition

To find something and bring it back, often used in the context of animals fetching items.

Example

The dog was trained to retrieve the ball when thrown.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you see how the dog is trained to retrieve the ball?

Yeah, it's amazing how quickly it brings it back!

I wish my dog could retrieve like that.

With some practice, I'm sure your dog could learn too.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

The action of getting something back or recovering it, especially in sports when a player successfully returns a ball that is hard to reach.

Example

The player made an impressive retrieve during the match, saving the point for his team.

Conversation

Did you see that amazing retrieve during the match yesterday?

Yeah, it was incredible how he managed to get the ball back.

I know! That kind of retrieve takes so much skill.

Definition

To get something back or to bring it back from a place where it was lost or stored.

Example

She went to retrieve her lost keys from the car.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Hey, can you help me retrieve my keys? I think I left them at the café.

Sure! I remember seeing them on the table.

That would be great! I really need them to get home.

Root Explanation

Retrieve → It is formed from "re-" (meaning again) and "trahere" (meaning to draw or pull). The word means to draw or pull something back again, often referring to recovering something that was lost.

Memory Tip

Think of 'drawing back' ('trahere') something 'again' ('re-') — that's why retrieve means to get something back.

Visually Confused Words