Meaning of retain

[Lopez]

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #128 "Culinary delights", question 2

Thai cuisine is one of the most romantic of the Asian cuisines as it still ......... an element of mystery and exoticism.

(a) remains
(b) retains
(c) refrains
(d) regains

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #128 "Culinary delights", answer 2

Thai cuisine is one of the most romantic of the Asian cuisines as it still retains an element of mystery and exoticism.

Correct answer: (b) retains

Your answer was: incorrect
Thai cuisine is one of the most romantic of the Asian cuisines as it still remains an element of mystery and exoticism.
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what is the meaning of retain?

Lopez

[Alan]

Hi Lopez,

Retain has the idea of holding/keeping or continuing to hold/keep as in:

Althoiugh everything went wrong, he still managed to retain his sense of humour.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Phrasal Verbs/hold