retiring

Definitions

retire (draw back) + -ing (adjective). Two senses from one image: a retiring person draws back from attention (shy), and a retiring official is drawing back from a post (about to leave). Context decides which.

Why It Means This

Retiring is a useful false friend to flag. Learners assume it only means 'about to retire,' but its older, very common sense is 'shy, self-effacing' — a personality that habitually pulls back from the spotlight. 'A retiring man' usually means a reserved one, not one nearing pension age.

Common Collocations

• 1.a retiring personality内敛的个性
• 2.shy and retiring腼腆内向
• 3.the retiring chairman即将卸任的主席

Example Sentences

• 1.

  She is modest and retiring, never seeking the spotlight.

• 2.

  The retiring chairman gave a short farewell speech.