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Retrieval vs Retention - What's the difference?

retrieval | retention |

As nouns the difference between retrieval and retention

is that retrieval is the act of retrieving or something retrieved while retention is retention.

retrieval

Noun

(en noun)
  • the act of retrieving or something retrieved
  • (computing) the operation of accessing data, either from memory or from a storage device
  • the cognitive process of bringing stored information into consciousness
  • retention

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • The act of retaining or something retained
  • * 1599 , , II. iv. 95:
  • No woman's heart / So big, to hold so much; they lack retention .
  • The act or power of remembering things
  • A memory; what is retained in the mind
  • (medicine) The involuntary withholding of urine and faeces
  • (obsolete) That which contains something, as a tablet; a means of preserving impressions.
  • (Shakespeare)
  • (obsolete) The act of withholding; restraint; reserve.
  • * 1599 , , V. i. 79:
  • His life I gave him, and did thereto add / My love without retention or restraint,
  • (obsolete) A place of custody or confinement.
  • (legal) The right to withhold a debt, or of retaining property until a debt due to the person claiming the right is duly paid; a lien.
  • (Erskine)
    (Craig)

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