Understanding “Retired”: Definition, Synonyms, and Usage
retired – Definition and Part of Speech
The word retired primarily functions as an adjective or a verb:
- As an adjective: It describes someone who has ceased working after reaching retirement age or due to personal choice.
- As a past participle of the verb “to retire,” indicating that the subject has withdrawn from active duty, business, or any professional engagement.
Core Synonyms (Table Format)
Here we present synonyms for retired, along with their nuances and usage:
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emeritus | Used particularly in academic or military contexts to denote honor. | “Dr. Smith retired but remains professor emeritus.” | Formal, Academic |
| Pensioned | Implies retirement due to reaching an age or years of service that qualifies one for a pension. | “After thirty-five years of service, he was pensioned.” | Formal, Business |
| Disengaged | Often used more broadly, can imply stepping away from responsibilities in various contexts. | “She has disengaged from her duties to focus on writing.” | Informal/Casual |
| Withdrawn | Emphasizes a more personal decision or need for rest rather than institutional retirement. | “He decided to withdraw from the workforce after feeling burnt out.” | Formal, Literary |
| Defunct | When referring to organizations or roles that no longer exist. | “The committee is defunct following his retirement.” | Business/Formal |
Usage Notes
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Emeritus: Typically used in professional titles and honors; it’s an official acknowledgment of a person’s lifelong contributions.
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Pensioned: Suggests an automatic or entitled cessation from work, often used in corporate environments.
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Disengaged: Suitable for informal contexts or when discussing personal life changes rather than formal retirements. It can convey the idea of stepping back to pursue other interests or for health reasons.
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Withdrawn: More narrative and reflective; this term might be favored in stories or discussions emphasizing emotional or psychological motivations behind retirement.
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Defunct: Commonly applied to organizations, businesses, or positions rather than individuals; it emphasizes that something has ended its operations.
Common Pitfalls
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Confusing retired with defunct: Remember, “defunct” is typically used for institutions or roles, not individuals.
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Using emeritus incorrectly: Ensure this is applied to titles only where appropriate recognition exists. Not all retirees are eligible for an emeritus status.
Final Recap
To recap, retired can be expressed with various synonyms like emeritus, pensioned, disengaged, withdrawn, and defunct, each carrying subtle distinctions in meaning and context. Choosing the right synonym enhances clarity and appropriateness depending on whether you’re writing a formal report or telling a personal story.
Practice: Try using these synonyms in your own sentences, adjusting them to fit different contexts such as business communications or creative narratives. Engaging with words this way will deepen your understanding and make your vocabulary richer and more versatile.