What does retracted mean Meaning and Definition
What does retracted mean
Pronunciation
/rɪˈtræktɪd/
Part of Speech
Verb
Definition
Past tense of “retract”, meaning to pull or draw something back, often into a smaller space or a previous position. It can also refer to the act of withdrawing or taking back a statement, offer, or decision.
Examples
- The company retracted its offer after discovering the candidate’s false credentials.
- The dog retracted its claws after realizing it was not a threat.
Synonyms
- Withdrawn
- Pulled back
- Recalled
Antonyms
- Extended
- Projected
- Issued
Additional Information
The term “retracted” is often used in various contexts, including business, law, and everyday conversation. In a business setting, a company may retract a job offer or a product recall. In law, a retracted statement can be a crucial piece of evidence. In everyday conversation, people may retract a statement or an offer if they change their mind or realize it was a mistake.
In addition to its literal meaning, “retracted” can also be used figuratively. For example, someone may retract their emotions or their trust in someone. This usage is often seen in literature and poetry, where authors use the term to describe a character’s emotional state.
It’s worth noting that “retracted” is often confused with “retracted” and “detracted”. While all three words have similar meanings, they are used in different contexts. “Retracted” typically refers to the act of pulling something back, while “detracted” means to divert attention away from something.
Eymology
The word “retracted” comes from the Latin “retractus”, which means “pulled back” or “withdrawn”. The Latin term is a combination of “re” (meaning “back” or “again”) and “tractus” (meaning “pulled” or “drawn”). The word has been used in the English language since the 15th century.
Usage Notes
When using the word “retracted”, it’s essential to consider the context in which it is being used. In formal writing, such as business or academic writing, it’s best to use the word in its literal sense. In informal writing, such as social media or texting, the word can be used more loosely.
It’s also important to note that “retracted” is often used in the past tense, as it refers to an action that has already occurred. However, the word can also be used in the present tense, such as “the company is retracting its offer”.
Cultural References
The word “retracted” has been used in various cultural references, including literature, music, and film. In literature, authors such as Shakespeare and Dickens have used the word to describe characters’ emotional states. In music, the word has been used in song titles and lyrics to describe a person’s emotional withdrawal. In film, the word has been used in movie titles and dialogue to describe a character’s retraction of a statement or offer.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
There are several idiomatic expressions and phrases that use the word “retracted”. Some examples include:
- “Retract one’s claws”, meaning to withdraw one’s aggressive behavior.
- “Retract one’s statement”, meaning to take back something one has said.
- “Retract one’s offer”, meaning to withdraw a proposal or suggestion.
Related Words or Phrases
Some related words and phrases to “retracted” include:
- Withdrawn
- Pulled back
- Recalled
- Detracted
Collocations
Some common collocations with the word “retracted” include:
- “Retracted its offer”
- “Retracted its claws”
- “Retracted its statement”
Frequency of Use
The word “retracted” is not a commonly used word in everyday conversation. However, it is often used in formal writing and in specific contexts, such as business and law.
Common Misspellings
Some common misspellings of the word “retracted” include:
- “Retracted”
- “Retracted”
- “Retracted”