keep retain withhold reserve
都含“保持”、“保存”的意思。
keep 系常用词,指“使继续下去”“使较长时期地置于不脱离控制、掌握、照料或变化之下”,如:
keep the room clean.
保持室内清洁。
retain 较正式,强调“继续保持”,特指“保持使不失去或被夺走”,如:
He has managed to retain most of his fortune.
他设法保存了他的大部分财产。
withhold 强调“保留”、“隐匿”,指“阻止其离去或泄漏”,如:
Fear made him withhold the truth.
恐惧使他不敢说实话。
reserve 指“为一目的保持,或保存一段时间”,如:
A great future is reserved for you.
光明的前程在等待着你。