Question

If the prefix re- means “back,” what does retain mean in the following sentence? The paper towel did not retain as much water as the sponge. to drive back to hold back to put back to write back

Answer 1

In this sentence, retain means to hold. 
eg. 
As much as she tried, Sam could not retain the twins she was babysitting.
 Does that help? I hope it does!!! ;)

From one Smartie to Another- Bubble Smartie11

Answer 2

In this sentence the meaning of retain is to hold back or to keep back. The paper towel did not hold back as much water as the sponge.

Question: If the prefix re- means “back,” what does retain mean in the following sentence?

Answer: B.  to hold back