return
/ɹɪˈtɝn/ verb A2- To come or go back (to a place or person). · Although the birds fly north for the summer, they return here in winter.
- To go back in thought, narration, or argument. · To return to my story[…]
- To recur; to come again. · Winter returns every year.
- To place or put back something where it had been. · Please return your hands to your lap.· Strain the stock and return it to the pan.
- To give something back to its original holder or owner. · You should return the library book within one month.
- To give in requital or recompense; to requite.
- To reciprocate (a visit or telephone call, electronic message, etc.). · Hello, I’m just returning your call. What did you want to talk about?· I wrote to my ex-wife but she won't return my emails.
- To take back something to a vendor for a complete or partial refund.
Plural return · He/she/it returns · Past returned · Past participle returned · -ing form returning
Verb forms
- Base form
- return
- He/she/it
- returns
- Past
- returned
- Past participle
- returned
- -ing form
- returning
From the library
“Gently, gently,” said the old man, with a smile; “and by your leave I will use your purse moderately, for they would say, if they saw me buy too many things at a time, that I had been obliged to await your return, in order to be able to purchase them.”
“’Tis Caderousse, who has heard of your arrival, and no doubt comes to congratulate you on your fortunate return.”
“True,” the Tin Woodman returned.
I lent you money, and you returned it; that’s like good neighbors, and we are quits.”
Other matches
Learn return in real texts
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