retiring
UK: rɪˈtaɪərɪŋ | US: rɪˈtaɪrɪŋ
adj. 1. reserved or shy in manner; avoiding attention.
adj. 2. relating to or characteristic of retirement.
v. (present participle of "retire") 3. leaving one's job or ceasing to work, typically upon reaching a certain age.
retiring = re<back> + tir<draw> + ing<present participle suffix>
- re: From Latin, meaning "back" or "again."
- tir: Derived from Old French tirer ("to draw, pull"), likely of Germanic origin.
- ing: English suffix forming present participles or adjectives.
Etymology Origin:
The word "retiring" originates from the verb "retire," which entered English via Old French retirer ("to withdraw"). The Latin prefix re- ("back") combined with tirer ("to draw") originally implied physical withdrawal (e.g., from battle). Over time, it expanded to describe withdrawal from work (retirement) and later adopted the figurative sense of being reserved or shy—a metaphorical "drawing back" from social attention.
She was a retiring person who avoided large gatherings.
The company hosted a party for its retiring CEO.
After retiring from teaching, he traveled the world.
His retiring nature made him reluctant to speak in public.
The retiring soldier received honors for his service.