they were retiring
Past progressive they conjugation of retire.
retire
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., éternuer.).
intransitive verb
a. prendre sa retraite (because of age)
My mom will retire when she's sixty.Ma mère prendra sa retraite à soixante ans.
b. se retirer (for other reasons)
The senator is going to retire from politics and become a consultant.Le sénateur va se retirer de la vie politique pour devenir consultant.
2.
A word or phrase restricted in usage to literature or established writing (e.g., once upon a time).
(literary)
(to go to bed)
a. aller se coucher
It's late. I'm going to retire.Il est tard. Je vais me coucher.
3.
A word or phrase restricted in usage to literature or established writing (e.g., once upon a time).
(literary)
(to withdraw)
a. se retirer
The king retired to his apartments after the ceremony.Le roi s'est retiré dans ses appartements après la cérémonie.
a. abandonner
Campbell retired in the second half due to a pulled hamstring.Campbell a abandonné pendant la deuxième mi-temps à cause d’un claquage à la cuisse.
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., acheter).
transitive verb
a. mettre à la retraite
Despite their good work, the company retired Fred and Ron when they turned 65.Malgré leur excellent travail, l'entreprise a mis Fred et Ron à la retraite lorsqu'ils ont atteint l'âge de 65 ans.
a. se débarrasser de
I think I need to retire my suitcase. The zipper just broke.Je crois que je vais devoir me débarrasser de ma valise. La fermeture éclair vient de se casser.
b. retirer de la circulation
The company gradually retired this bus model and replaced it with electric vehicles.La société a progressivement retiré ce modèle de bus de la circulation pour le remplacer par des véhicules électriques.
a. retirer
The general retired the troops from battle.Le général retira les troupes du champ de bataille.
Conjugations
Participles
Present:
Past:
Collins English Verb Conjugation Tables © HarperCollins Publishers 2023
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