retenue

restraint, self-control

noun ruh-tuh-NÜ Rare

Also means

deduction, withholding (finance)

Usage Note

Retenue covers two main senses: personal composure (faire preuve de retenue = to show restraint) and a financial deduction (une retenue sur salaire = a wage withholding). In school contexts, une retenue is a detention — a third sense learners encounter early. The adjective retenu from the same root means reserved or held back.

Examples

"Elle a répondu avec beaucoup de retenue."

Natural Translation

She replied with great restraint.

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