reˈtraction: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal/Neutral
Quick answer
What does “reˈtraction” mean?
The action of withdrawing a statement, accusation, or promise because it was incorrect or invalid.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The action of withdrawing a statement, accusation, or promise because it was incorrect or invalid.
The action of pulling something back or in; the shortening or drawing back of a part.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage and meaning are identical; spelling is the same.
Connotations
Strongly associated with formal apologies in journalism and academia, often with legal implications.
Frequency
More frequent in written, formal, academic, and journalistic registers in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “reˈtraction” in a Sentence
retraction of [statement/accusation/article]retraction from [source/publisher]retraction by [author/organisation]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
A company may issue a retraction for a misleading advertisement or an incorrect financial statement.
Academic
A journal publishes a retraction of a research paper found to contain fraudulent data.
Everyday
I had to make a quick retraction after I realised I'd blamed the wrong person for the mistake.
Technical
The retraction of the aircraft's landing gear was smooth and automatic.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “reˈtraction”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “reˈtraction”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reˈtraction”
- Confusing 'retraction' with 'redaction' (which means editing to obscure text).
- Misspelling as 'retracion' or 'retration'.
- Using it as a verb (the verb is 'to retract').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. A retraction is the act of formally withdrawing a statement. An apology expresses regret. A retraction often includes or is accompanied by an apology.
Yes, in technical or anatomical contexts, it means the action of drawing something back or in, like the retraction of a telescope lens or a muscle.
The verb is 'to retract'.
It is very serious. A retraction of a published paper is a permanent marker of severe unreliability, often due to error, misconduct, or fraud, and can damage a researcher's career.
The action of withdrawing a statement, accusation, or promise because it was incorrect or invalid.
Reˈtraction is usually formal/neutral in register.
Reˈtraction: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈtræk.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈtræk.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[He/She] had to eat [his/her] words and issue a retraction.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a cat RETRACTing its claws: it pulls them back in. A retraction is when you pull a statement back in because it was wrong.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEAS/STATEMENTS ARE OBJECTS THAT CAN BE SENT OUT AND PULLED BACK (RETRACTED).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'retraction' LEAST likely to be used?