retrieve

Question

Hello everyone !

Is "retrieve" a technical word for computers only, or can I say something like " When we came across, I couldn't retrieve her name right away, since we haven't talked for 6 years." ?

Thanks in advance. [F]

Feebs11 · Accepted Answer

It's not common, but it's not wrong.

BarbaraPA · Answer

It sounds rather like a psychologist speaking. In that case, use "recall."

Clive · Answer

Hi,

Is "retrieve" a technical word for computers only . . .?

Not at all. The basic meaning is 'regain possession of, recover'. This can be used not only abstractly, as with mental processes, but also in a simple physical sense.

eg I threw the ball, and my dog ran to retrieve it. Some dogs are even called 'retrievers'.

eg I left my keys on a bench in the park, so I ran back to retrieve them.

Best wishes, Clive

Marius Hancu · Answer

>Is "retrieve" a technical word for computers only

Nope. Think retriever (the dog).

Hena · Answer

It is tough to understand how the mind functions when you speak a foreign language.

I was in a similar situation and I've noticed that I used "retrieve" instead of the obvious "recall" as GG suggested...then I wondered why I picked that word and whether it was appropriate in such a context. Thank you so much for your help my friends!!!

Best wishes.

retrieve

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