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Retrieve vs Gain - What's the difference?

retrieve | gain |

In lang=en terms the difference between retrieve and gain

is that retrieve is to fetch or carry back systematically, notably as a game while gain is to put on weight.

In obsolete|lang=en terms the difference between retrieve and gain

is that retrieve is (obsolete) the recovery of game once sprung while gain is (obsolete) straightly; quickly; by the nearest way or means.

As verbs the difference between retrieve and gain

is that retrieve is to regain or get back something while gain is to acquire possession of what one did not have before.

As nouns the difference between retrieve and gain

is that retrieve is a retrieval while gain is the act of gaining or gain can be (architecture) a square or bevelled notch cut out of a girder, binding joist, or other timber which supports a floor beam, so as to receive the end of the floor beam.

As a preposition gain is

(obsolete) against.

As an adjective gain is

(obsolete) straight, direct; near; short.

As an adverb gain is

(obsolete) straightly; quickly; by the nearest way or means.

retrieve

English

Verb

(retriev)
  • To regain or get back something.
  • to retrieve''' one's character or independence; to '''retrieve a thrown ball
  • * Dryden
  • With late repentance now they would retrieve / The bodies they forsook, and wish to live.
  • To rescue (a) creature(s)
  • To salvage something
  • To remedy or rectify something.
  • To remember or recall something.
  • To fetch or carry back something.
  • * Berkeley
  • to retrieve them from their cold, trivial conceits
  • To fetch and bring in game.
  • The cook doesn't care what's shot, only what's actually retrieved .
  • To fetch and bring in game systematically.
  • Dog breeds called 'retrievers' were selected for retrieving .
  • To fetch or carry back systematically, notably as a game.
  • Most dogs love retrieving , regardless of what object is thrown.
  • (sports) To make a difficult but successful return of the ball.
  • (obsolete) To remedy the evil consequence of, to repair (a loss or damage).
  • * Prior
  • Accept my sorrow, and retrieve my fall.
  • * Burke
  • There is much to be done and much to be retrieved .

    Derived terms

    * retriever

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A retrieval
  • (sports) The return of a difficult ball
  • (obsolete) A seeking again; a discovery.
  • (Ben Jonson)
  • (obsolete) The recovery of game once sprung.
  • (Nares)

    gain

    English

    Etymology 1

    From dialectal English (m), (m), short for (m), . More at (l).

    Preposition

    (English prepositions)
  • (obsolete) Against.
  • Derived terms
    * (l)

    Etymology 2

    From (etyl) (m), (m), , from the adjective.

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • (obsolete) Straight, direct; near; short.
  • the gainest way
  • (obsolete) Suitable; convenient; ready.
  • (dialectal) Easy; tolerable; handy, dexterous.
  • (dialectal) Honest; respectable; moderate; cheap.
  • Derived terms
    * (l) * (l)

    Adverb

    (en adverb)
  • (obsolete) Straightly; quickly; by the nearest way or means.
  • (dialectal) Suitably; conveniently; dexterously; moderately.
  • (dialectal) Tolerably; fairly.
  • gain quiet (= fairly/pretty quiet)

    Etymology 3

    From (etyl) (m), . The Middle English word was reinforced by (etyl) . Related to (l), (l).

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • The act of gaining.
  • * Tennyson
  • the lust of gain
  • What one gains, as a return on investment or dividend.
  • No pain, no gain .
  • * Shakespeare
  • Everyone shall share in the gains .
  • (electronics) The factor by which a signal is multiplied.
  • Antonyms
    * loss
    Derived terms
    * autogain * gainful * gainsome

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To acquire possession of what one did not have before.
  • Looks like you've gained a new friend.
  • * Bible, Matthew xvi. 26
  • What is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
  • * Alexander Pope
  • For fame with toil we gain , but lose with ease.
  • To have or receive advantage or profit; to acquire gain; to grow rich; to advance in interest, health, or happiness; to make progress.
  • The sick man gains daily.
  • * Bible, Ezekiel xxii. 12
  • Thou hast greedily gained of thy neighbours by extortion.
  • (dated) To come off winner or victor in; to be successful in; to obtain by competition.
  • to gain''' a battle; to '''gain a case at law
  • To increase.
  • * 1883 , (Howard Pyle), (The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood)
  • Then they had bouts of wrestling and of cudgel play, so that every day they gained in skill and strength.
  • To be more likely to catch or overtake an individual.
  • I'm gaining (on you).
    gain ground
  • To reach.
  • to gain the top of a mountain
  • * 1907 , Jack London, The Iron Heel :
  • Ernest laughed harshly and savagely when he had gained the street.
  • To draw into any interest or party; to win to one's side; to conciliate.
  • * Bible, Matthew xviii. 15
  • If he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
  • * Dryden
  • to gratify the queen, and gain the court
  • To put on weight.
  • I've been gaining .
  • (of a clock or watch) To run fast.
  • Etymology 4

    Compare (etyl) .

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (architecture) A square or bevelled notch cut out of a girder, binding joist, or other timber which supports a floor beam, so as to receive the end of the floor beam.
  • Anagrams

    * (l) * (l) * (l), (l) ----