Definition of retention

The word "retention" has its roots in the Latin word "retenere," which means "to take or to hold back." This Latin verb is a combination of "re-" (back) and "tenere" (to hold or grasp). The word "retention" was first used in English in the 15th century to describe the act of holding or keeping something, such as an idea, a memory, or a possession. In the context of memory and learning, retention refers to the ability of the brain to retain and recall information over time. This concept was first studied and described by psychologists such as Hermann Ebbinghaus in the late 19th century. Since then, research on retention has continued, and the word has become a key term in fields such as education, psychology, and neuroscience. Today, retention is used in a wide range of contexts, from academic learning to marketing and advertising, to describe the process of holding onto and recalling information.