Spanish Conversation · Level 102
59 words
Spanish word
retraer
Pronunciation
IPA/retɾaˈeɾ/
Meaning
- verbwithdraw
Example
Cuando hay mucha gente, ella se retrae y habla poco.
When there are many people, she withdraws and speaks little.
More examples
En clases de conversación, cuando le toca hablar, ella se retrae y escucha más.
In conversation classes, when it's her turn to speak, she is reserved and listens more.
Core concept
Holding oneself back from social interaction.
Common phrases
se retrae ante desconocidos
withdraw around strangers
se retrae por timidez
withdraw out of shyness
Similar words
retirarse: Retire from the scene or conversation, distancing oneself from the gathering.
apartarse: Step away from nearby people or a topic to create space or avoid involvement.
reservarse: Reserve personal views and feelings internally, not volunteering them to others.
cohibirse: Become self-conscious and suppress speech or behavior from embarrassment.
Definition in Spanish
Expresa la acción de apartarse o mostrarse reservado ante otras personas; suele aparecer en forma pronominal (retraerse) para indicar timidez o contención.
Word origin
From Latin retrahere (re- 'back' + trahere 'to pull'), literally 'to pull back', and it denotes self-withdrawal or reserve in social settings.
Usage tips
- A reflexive verb that usually appears as retraerse and conveys shyness or restraint rather than an explicit, planned decision to refrain.
Other meanings
- become shyverb
- refrainverb
Opposites
- abrirseopen upverb
Related words
- retraídoreservedadjective