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Retainer vs Retentive - What's the difference?

retainer | retentive |

As nouns the difference between retainer and retentive

is that retainer is a dependent or follower of someone of rank while retentive is (obsolete) that which retains or confines; a restraint.

As an adjective retentive is

having power to retain; as, a retentive memory.

retainer

English

Noun

(en noun)
  • A dependent or follower of someone of rank.
  • A paid servant, especially one who has been employed for many years.
  • Any thing or person that retains.
  • A fee one pays to reserve the other's time for services.
    • This lawyer charges a retainer for his work .
  • (dentistry): A device that holds teeth in position after orthodontic treatment.

    • Related terms

    * retain

    See also

    * brace

    Anagrams

    * *

    retentive

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Having power to retain; as, a retentive memory.
  • * c. 1599 , (William Shakespeare), ''Julius Caeser', Act 1 Scene 3
    • Nor airless dungeon, nor strong links of iron, Can be retentive to the strength of spirit.
  • anal-retentive

    • Noun

    (en noun)
  • (obsolete) That which retains or confines; a restraint.

    • References

    * ----