retrieve
B2Formal/Technical
Definition
Meaning
To get or bring something back, especially after it has been lost or is difficult to find.
In computing, to access and obtain data from a storage device or database.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies success after effort; can be used in both literal and figurative contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal; both variants use it similarly in general and technical contexts.
Connotations
Slightly formal; in computing, it is a standard term.
Frequency
Equally common in both British and American English; more frequent in technical domains.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
retrieve [object]retrieve [object] from [location]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “retrieve the situation”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in contexts like retrieving lost documents or data recovery services.
Academic
Common in research for retrieving sources or data from archives.
Everyday
Informal use for getting back personal items, e.g., retrieving keys from a locked car.
Technical
Standard term in computing for data retrieval operations.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He managed to retrieve the stolen painting from the thief.
- Can you retrieve the post from the letterbox?
American English
- She retrieved her luggage from the airport carousel.
- I need to retrieve my mail from the mailbox.
adverb
British English
- The system stores files retrievably for easy access.
- Data is archived retrievably in the database.
American English
- Information is retrievably archived in the cloud.
- The software handles files retrievably.
adjective
British English
- The documents are retrievable from the online archive.
- This data is not retrievable after corruption.
American English
- The information is retrievable even after deletion.
- Files stored in the cloud are easily retrievable.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Can you retrieve the ball from the garden?
- She retrieved her hat from the floor.
- I need to retrieve my coat from the cloakroom.
- They retrieved the lost dog from the park.
- The software can retrieve lost emails from the server.
- Archaeologists retrieved artifacts from the dig site.
- Scientists retrieved samples from the deep ocean for analysis.
- The lawyer retrieved crucial evidence from the archives.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 're-' (meaning again) and 'trieve' (similar to 'achieve'), so achieving something back.
Conceptual Metaphor
Retrieving is like uncovering or excavating something hidden.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating directly as 'извлекать' in all contexts; in computing, use 'восстанавливать' for data retrieval.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'retrieve' for people; e.g., 'retrieve a person' is incorrect, use 'rescue' or 'find' instead.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'retrieve'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is equally common in both British and American English, with no significant regional differences.
Yes, it can be used figuratively, e.g., 'retrieve one's reputation' or 'retrieve a situation'.
'Retrieve' often implies fetching something from a specific location, while 'recover' can imply restoration after loss or damage.
Yes, especially in technical contexts, meaning capable of being retrieved.