Return

/ɹɪtˈɜːn/

/ɹiˈtɝn/, /ɹɪˈtɝn/

Definition & Meaning of "return"

to return

VERB

to go or come back to a person or place

Intransitive: to return to a place or state

Example

After a long vacation, it 's time to return home.

The migratory birds return to their nesting grounds every spring.

to send, give, or bring something back to someone or to a place

Transitive: to return sth point in time

Example

Sarah borrowed a book from the library and promised to return it next week.

After repairing my laptop, the technician will return it to me by the end of the day.

to go back to a specific situation or condition

Intransitive: to return to a state or level

Example

As the economy struggled, many businesses faced challenges and had to find innovative ways to return to profitability.

After a period of intense stress, Sarah practiced mindfulness to return to a state of calm and relaxation.

to reoccur or happen again after a period of absence or inactivity

reappear

recur

Intransitive

Example

The annual meteor shower is expected to return next month.

The popular festival, which had been on hiatus for several years, is set to return with a grand celebration

to retrace one's thoughts, revisiting a specific point or idea in narration or argumentation

echo

recur

Transitive: to return to a topic or idea

Example

In his presentation, the speaker frequently returned to the central theme, emphasizing its significance.

The author masterfully crafted the novel, skillfully returning to key plot points.

(of feelings or thoughts) to reoccur or resurface

Intransitive

Example

After a period of healing, the sadness began to return as the anniversary of the loss approached.

In times of stress, old insecurities tend to return.

to respond to a statement, question, or remark

Transitive: to return with a response | to return to a question or remark

Example

The teacher posed a challenging question, and Sarah hesitated briefly before returning with a response.

When confronted with the evidence, the suspect chose to remain silent and did not return with an alibi.

to make a profit, often in the context of investments, business ventures, or financial activities

Transitive: to return a profit or growth

Example

The investor carefully diversified their portfolio, aiming to return a consistent profit over time.

The company launched a new product line, expecting it to return significant profits.

to formally state or provide a decision, verdict, or response in answer to a specific request

Transitive: to return a verdict

Example

The judge is expected to return a verdict in the trial after carefully considering all the evidence presented.

The parole board will carefully review the inmate 's case and return a decision regarding early release.

to bring back a purchased item to the seller in order to receive a refund

Transitive: to return a purchased item

Example

After discovering a defect in the new electronic gadget, Sarah decided to return it to the store for a refund.

The shoes did n't fit properly, so Mark had to return them.

to submit or present a report, document, or similar item to someone in authority

Transitive: to return a report to an authority

Example

The team worked on the project and is ready to return the report to the department head for assessment.

The accountant completed the financial audit and returned the detailed findings to the company's CFO.

to elect or choose a person or political party to hold a position in office

Transitive: to return a political figure or party

Example

In the upcoming election, voters are expected to return the incumbent mayor to office.

The citizens were eager to return the experienced senator to office.

to do, say, or feel something in response to the same action, remark, or feeling from others

Transitive: to return an action, remark, or feeling

Example

He did not return her love.

It 's time we returned their invitation.

Return

NOUN

a coming to or returning home

document giving the tax collector information about the taxpayer's tax liability

the occurrence of a change in direction back in the opposite direction

getting something back again

the act of going back to a prior location

the income or profit arising from such transactions as the sale of land or other property

a quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one)

happening again (especially at regular intervals)

the act of hitting the ball back to the opponent after it has been served or hit by the opponent in racket sports like tennis and table tennis

What is a "return"?

A return in racquet sports refers to the act of hitting the ball back after the opponent has served or hit it toward the player. The goal of a return is to place the ball in a position where the opponent has difficulty reaching or returning it. A successful return requires good timing, positioning, and often a strategy to outplay the opponent. In tennis, for example, the return can be done with different techniques, such as a forehand, backhand, or even a volley, depending on the situation and the type of shot coming from the opponent.

Example

He struggled to anticipate his opponent 's return.

She practiced her returns to improve her consistency.

a reciprocal group action

the act of someone appearing again

the unsold books that are returned by retailers or distributors to the publisher or wholesaler for credit or refund

What is a "return"?

A return refers to unsold copies of books that are sent back to the publisher or distributor by booksellers. This usually occurs when booksellers need to clear shelf space or when books do not sell as anticipated. Returns are a common practice in the book industry and allow booksellers to recover some of their costs. The returned books may be reprocessed, discounted, or handled according to the publisher's return policy.

a ticket for a journey from one place to another and back again

Example

She bought a return for her trip to London.

Is it cheaper to get a return or two one-way tickets?

word family

turn

Verb

return

Verb

returning

Adjective

returning