Retract

Pronunciation: /rɪˈtrækt/

Definitions of retract

verb to draw back or in; to take back or withdraw

Example Sentences

A1 She quickly retracted her hand when she touched something hot.

A2 The cat retracted its claws after being petted gently.

B1 The company had to retract their statement due to inaccuracies.

B2 The politician retracted his controversial comments after facing backlash.

C1 The scientist retracted their hypothesis after new evidence emerged.

C2 The author decided to retract the book from publication after receiving negative reviews.

Examples of retract in a Sentence

formal The company decided to retract their previous statement due to inaccuracies.

informal I think I need to retract my earlier comment, it wasn't entirely correct.

slang She quickly retracted her words when she realized she was wrong.

figurative Sometimes it's better to retract your emotions rather than say something you'll regret.

Grammatical Forms of retract

• past tense: retracted
• plural: retracts
• comparative: more retractable
• superlative: most retractable
• present tense: retract
• future tense: will retract
• perfect tense: have retracted
• continuous tense: is retracting
• singular: retract
• positive degree: retractable
• infinitive: to retract
• gerund: retracting
• participle: retracting

Origin and Evolution of retract

First Known Use: 1400 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'retract' originated from the Latin word 'retractare', meaning to pull back or withdraw.

Evolution of the word: Over time, 'retract' has evolved to not only mean physically pulling back or withdrawing something, but also to refer to the act of taking back something said or written, or to formally revoke a statement or belief.