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return
/rɪˈtɜːrn/
to go back to a place or person
She promised to return the book by Friday.
She said she would bring the book back by Friday.
general
to go back to a place or person
We will return home after the vacation.
We will go back to our home after the vacation.
Commonly used for physical movement back to a location.
general
to give something back to someone
Please return the borrowed items by next week.
Please give back the borrowed items by next week.
Often used in contexts like borrowing or renting.
general
to come back to a previous state or condition
The weather will return to normal soon.
The weather will go back to its usual state soon.
Used for abstract or non-physical returns.
Finance
Finance
to yield a profit or benefit
This investment is expected to return 10% annually.
This investment is expected to yield a 10% profit each year.
Commonly used in financial contexts to describe profits or yields.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Verb vs. Noun
'Return' can be used as both a verb (to go back) and a noun (the act of going back or the profit from an investment).
Gold Rule
Common Usage
In everyday language, 'return' is often used to mean going back to a place or giving something back.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'retourne', from Old French 'retourner', from Latin 're-' (back) + 'tornare' (to turn).
Usage Notes
The word 'return' can be both a verb and a noun. As a noun, it can refer to the act of coming back or the profit from an investment.
Word Breakdown
re-
back
prefix-turn
to turn around
rootEnglish Dictionary