return
//ɹɪˈtɜːn//
Forms
- present (v1)
- return
- past (v2)
- returned
- past participle (v3)
- returned
- present participle
- returning
- 3rd person singular
- returns
- Plural
- returns
Definitions
1.To come or go back (to a place or person).
- Although the birds fly north for the summer, they return here in winter.
- “I came through and I shall return,” General MacArthur declared when he spoke at Terowie of the beleagured Philippines.
2.To go back in thought, narration, or argument.
- My father will return at the beginning of next month.
3.To recur; to come again.
- My father will return at the beginning of next month.
4.To place or put back something where it had been.
- Please return your hands to your lap.
1.An answer.
2.The act of returning.
- I expect the house to be spotless upon my return.
- I had occasion […] to make a somewhat long business trip to Chicago, and on my return […] I found Farrar awaiting me in the railroad station.
3.A return ticket.
- Do you want a one-way or a return?
4.An item that is returned, e.g. due to a defect.
- Most product returns to the top retailers in the USA (either direct from the consumer or through non-sales) will be taken back by the original suppliers for rework or disposal.
Frequency
Overall
Common· #545
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Uncommon
- General reading & writing
- Common
- Academic
- Rare
- Literature
- Uncommon
Related words
Etymology
From Middle English returnen, retornen, from Anglo-Norman returner, from Old French retourner, retorner, from Medieval Latin retornare (“to turn back”), from re- + tornare (“to turn”).
By surface analysis, re- + turn.
Compare beturn.