How Do You Spell RETIRE?

Pronunciation: [ɹɪtˈa͡ɪ͡ə] (IPA)

The word "retire" is spelled as /rɪˈtaɪər/. The first syllable "re-" is pronounced as /rɪ/, the second syllable "-ti-" is pronounced as /ˈtaɪ/, and the final syllable "-re" is pronounced as /ər/. The "i" in the second syllable is pronounced as a long "i" sound, which is represented by the letter "i" in the spelling. The letter "e" at the end of the word is silent, but it is used to indicate that the vowel in the second syllable is pronounced as a long "i."

RETIRE Meaning and Definition

  1. Retire is a verb that holds multiple meanings and connotations. Primarily, it refers to the act of withdrawing, closing, or removing oneself or something from a particular position, place, or activity. When applied to an individual, retire typically involves the decision to leave paid employment permanently, often after reaching a certain age, thereby ceasing to work and entering a stage of rest or leisure. This definition of retirement often corresponds with eligibility to receive pension benefits. Additionally, retire can refer to the act of retreating, withdrawing, or stepping back from a situation, as in retiring from public life or retiring to a quiet place.

    Furthermore, retire may also pertain to the process of concluding or disengaging from a specific role, task, or occupation, either temporarily or indefinitely. This more general sense implies taking a break, discontinuing an activity, or renouncing a position. It may involve handing over responsibilities to someone else, such as retiring from a leadership position or retiring from a sports career. In a broader context, retire can describe the act of removing or taking out something from use, such as retiring a piece of equipment or retiring a specific design or style.

    Ultimately, retire encapsulates the act of withdrawing or exiting from a particular role, position, or activity, sometimes permanently. Its variations encompass concepts of cessation, rest, retreat, and disengagement, and its usage can be applied across personal, professional, and material contexts.

  2. To depart; to withdraw; to go from company; to withdraw from business or active life; to fall back, as the tide from the shore; to take up and pay when due, as a bill of exchange.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for RETIRE *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for RETIRE

Etymology of RETIRE

The word "retire" has its roots in the Latin language. It is derived from the Latin verb "retirare", which means "to withdraw" or "to retreat". The prefix "re-" signifies the notion of going back or returning, and the root "tirare" means "to pull" or "to draw".

Over time, "retirare" evolved into the Old French verb "retirer", retaining a similar meaning of withdrawal or retreat. In English, the word eventually took the form of "retire", maintaining its original sense of moving back or pulling away. In the context of human life, it came to signify the act of withdrawing from active work or occupation, thus leading to the modern understanding of retirement.

Idioms with the word RETIRE

  • crawl/go/retreat/retire into your shell The phrase "crawl/go/retreat/retire into your shell" is an idiom often used to describe a behavior where someone withdraws from social interaction, isolates themselves, or becomes emotionally guarded. It derives from the behavior of a turtle or other shelled animals that retract their bodies into their protective shells when they feel threatened or desire solitude. It implies that a person is retreating into their own thoughts and emotions, becoming reserved or introverted, and avoiding social interactions or external conflicts.
  • retire to The idiom "retire to" refers to the act of withdrawing or moving to a particular place, often with the intention of living there permanently or temporarily, typically after leaving one's career or job. It can also imply seeking solace, relaxation, or a change of pace in a more secluded or peaceful location.
  • retire on sth The idiom "retire on something" typically means to live off or rely on a particular source of income or asset during one's retirement. It suggests that the mentioned income or asset is sufficient enough to sustain a person's financial needs and support their lifestyle after they stop working.
  • retire from sth The idiom "retire from sth" refers to the act of permanently leaving or withdrawing from a particular occupation, career, or activity, typically due to reaching a certain age or desired level of accomplishment or to pursue a different path in life. It often implies the completion of one's professional or active involvement in a specific field or endeavor.
  • retire sm or sth from sth The idiom "retire sm or sth from sth" generally means to remove or withdraw someone or something from a particular position, activity, or situation, often due to age, obsolescence, or a desire to discontinue involvement. It can be used when referring to people or objects being taken out of service, employment, or a certain role.
  • retire (in)to sth The idiom "retire (in)to sth" means to withdraw from active social life or work and settle into a particular place or activity, typically for relaxation, rest, or pursuing personal interests or hobbies. It implies moving away from the demands and pressures of one's previous lifestyle and embracing a more peaceful and tranquil existence.
  • retire a number The idiom "retire a number" refers to a practice in sports, especially in professional sports teams, where a specific player's jersey number is permanently withdrawn or taken out of circulation to honor and recognize their exceptional contributions, achievements, or impact on the team or the sport. It is a way to immortalize and honor the player's legacy, often done by hanging or displaying the retired jersey in the team's arena, stadium, or hall of fame.

Similar spelling words for RETIRE

Conjugate verb Retire

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have retired
you would have retired
he/she/it would have retired
we would have retired
they would have retired
I would have retire
you would have retire
he/she/it would have retire
we would have retire
they would have retire

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been retiring
you would have been retiring
he/she/it would have been retiring
we would have been retiring
they would have been retiring

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would retire
you would retire
he/she/it would retire
we would retire
they would retire

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be retiring
you would be retiring
he/she/it would be retiring
we would be retiring
they would be retiring

FUTURE

I will retire
you will retire
he/she/it will retire
we will retire
they will retire

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be retiring
you will be retiring
he/she/it will be retiring
we will be retiring
they will be retiring

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have retired
you will have retired
he/she/it will have retired
we will have retired
they will have retired

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been retiring
you will have been retiring
he/she/it will have been retiring
we will have been retiring
they will have been retiring

IMPERATIVE

you retire
we let´s retire

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to retire

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was retiring
you were retiring
he/she/it was retiring
we were retiring
they were retiring

PAST PARTICIPLE

retired

PAST PERFECT

I had retired
you had retired
he/she/it had retired
we had retired
they had retired

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been retiring
you had been retiring
he/she/it had been retiring
we had been retiring
they had been retiring

PRESENT

I retire
you retire
he/she/it retires
we retire
they retire

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am retiring
you are retiring
he/she/it is retiring
we are retiring
they are retiring

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

retiring

PRESENT PERFECT

I have retired
you have retired
he/she/it has retired
we have retired
they have retired

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been retiring
you have been retiring
he/she/it has been retiring
we have been retiring
they have been retiring

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it retire

SIMPLE PAST

I retired
you retired
he/she/it retired
we retired
they retired

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