Cool MateDetain vs Hold
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| Detain | Hold | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | To keep someone in a place, usually by the police, so they cannot leave. | To have something in your hands or arms. |
| Register | formal | - |
| CEFR level | C1 | A2 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Usage notes | Used in legal and police contexts. Be careful using it informally; it's not common in everyday conversations about delays or waiting. | Used in both formal and informal contexts. Avoid using it in very formal writing for physical holding; instead, use 'grasp' or 'clutch.' |
Frequently asked questions: Detain vs Hold
What's the difference between "Detain" and "Hold"?
"Detain" means: To keep someone in a place, usually by the police, so they cannot leave. "Hold" means: To have something in your hands or arms.
When should I use "Detain" and "Hold"?
"Detain" is formal.
Are "Detain" and "Hold" the same CEFR level?
"Detain" is at C1, "Hold" is at A2 on the CEFR scale.