What does “return” mean?
- 1
verbto come or go back to a place
He returned home after ten years abroad.
- 2
verbto give, send or put something back
Please return the books by Monday.
- 3
nounthe act of coming back, or the profit from an investment
We celebrated her return from the hospital.
Return at a glance
- Part of speech
- verb & noun
- CEFR level
- A2 (elementary)
- Pronunciation
- /rɪˈtɝn/ · rih-TURN
How to use “return” correctly
Don’t say “return back”: “return” already means “go back”. “In return” means as an exchange: “I helped him, and in return he cooked dinner.”
Common phrases with “return”
- return to
- in return
- return a call
- tax return
Synonyms, opposites and related words
Synonyms (similar meaning)
- go back
- come back
- give back
“return” is on these word lists
Learn these words next
- enter verbA2to come or go into a place
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- drive verbA1to control a car or other vehicle
- forward adverbA2toward the front or the direction you are facing
- go verbA1to move or travel from one place to another
- leave verbA1to go away from a place or person
- reach verbB1to arrive at a place, level or point
- stay verbA1to remain in a place and not leave