Langimage
English

return

|re/turn|

B1

🇺🇸

/rɪˈtɜrn/

🇬🇧

/rɪˈtɜːn/

go back, give back

Etymology
Etymology Information

'return' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'retourner,' where 're-' meant 'back' and 'tourner' meant 'to turn.'

Historical Evolution

'retourner' transformed into the Middle English word 'returnen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'return'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to turn back,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'to go back' or 'to give back.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

the act of coming or going back to a place or person.

His return was unexpected.

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Noun 2

a profit from an investment.

The return on investment was higher than expected.

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Verb 1

to go or come back to a place or person.

She will return home after work.

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Verb 2

to give, put, or send something back to a place or person.

Please return the book to the library.

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Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35