retentive

[ ri-ten-tiv ]

adjective

1. tending or serving to retain something.
2. having power or capacity to retain.
3. having power or ability to remember; having a good memory.

retentive

/ rɪˈtɛntɪv /

adjective

1. having the capacity to retain or remember

Derived Forms

• reˈtentiveness, noun
• reˈtentively, adverb

Other Words From

• re·tentive·ly adverb
• re·tentive·ness noun
• nonre·tentive adjective
• nonre·tentive·ly adverb
• nonre·tentive·ness noun
• unre·tentive adjective
• unre·tentive·ly adverb
• unre·tentive·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of retentive¹

1325–75; Middle English retentif < Middle French < Medieval Latin retentīvus, equivalent to Latin retent ( us ) ( retention ) + -īvus -ive

Example Sentences

The curators were struck by the fact that Barnor “had so many stories — it was unusual to hear the voice of a living photographer who has such a great mind and retentive memory,” Quarcoopome said.

From New York Times

In Texas — well, hell, Texas has always been anally retentive when it comes to social issues, so nothing new there.

From Salon

Unsurprisingly, in a state controlled by a retentive fascist like Gov. Ron DeSantis, the books deemed too dangerous to read mostly involve ideas like "gay couples exist" and "there was once a civil rights movement."

From Salon

His was the most nimble and retentive mind I’ve ever worked with closely over time.

From New York Times

It was enough to turn a beautiful sentiment of kindness into a painfully retentive memory; a constant reminder of what is to come.

From New York Times

Related Words

• cohesive
• determined
• dogged
• forceful
• persistent
• relentless
• resolute
• spunky
• staunch
• steadfast
• stout
• strong-willed
• stubborn
• tough
• unswerving