retain /riˈtein/ vt. 保留，保存：retain one’s balance 保持平衡；retain a clear memory of one’s schooldays 对学生时代保持着清楚的记忆［考句］The most basic reason why dialects should be preserved is that language helps to retain a culture.方言应该受到保护的最基本的原因是一种语言有助于保留一种文化。