retiring

/ri'taiəriɳ/

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Word: Retiring

Part of Speech: Adjective

Basic Definition: "Retiring" describes a person who is shy, prefers to be alone, or does not like to draw attention to themselves. It can also refer to someone who has just left a job or position.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "retiring" when you want to talk about someone who is modest or shy.
• It can also describe someone who has recently stepped down from a job.

Examples:

1. Shy Context: "She is a retiring girl who prefers to read books rather than go to parties."
2. Job Context: "After many years of service, he is a retiring member of the board, leaving behind a legacy of hard work."

Advanced Usage:

In more formal contexts, "retiring" can be used to describe someone who is not boastful about their accomplishments or who is hesitant to take credit for their work.

Word Variants:

• Retire (verb): To stop working after reaching a certain age or after many years of service. For example, "She will retire next year after 30 years in teaching."
• Retirement (noun): The period in life when one stops working. For example, "He enjoys traveling during his retirement."

Different Meanings:

1. Retiring (shy): Describes a personality trait.
2. Retiring (job-related): Refers to someone who has stepped down from their position.

Synonyms:

• Shy
• Modest
• Unassuming
• Withdrawn
• Reserved

Idioms:

While there aren't specific idioms that use "retiring," you might hear phrases like "keep a low profile," which means to avoid attracting attention, similar to being retiring.

Phrasal Verbs:

There are no common phrasal verbs that directly relate to "retiring," but you can use phrases like "step down" or "leave office" in contexts where someone is retiring from a job.

Summary:

"Retiring" is used to describe someone who is shy and does not want to be the center of attention, or it can describe someone who has just left a job.

Academic

Adjective

1. reluctant to draw attention to yourself
2. of a person who has held and relinquished a position or office
   • a retiring member of the board
3. not arrogant or presuming
   • unassuming to a fault, skeptical about the value of his work
   • a shy retiring girl

Synonyms

• reticent
• self-effacing
• past
• preceding
• retiring
• unassuming