Language Research

return · verb

/rɪˈtɜrn/Full view

return (GO BACK)

A2 I to go or come back to a place where you were before

Dictionary examples:

He returned to Nigeria in 2009.

She'll return home from a business trip tomorrow.

She left Sweden at the age of 25 and never returned.

Learner example:

She will return to Turkey next Friday. (Key English Test; A2; Turkish)

return (PUT BACK)

A2 T to give, send, or put something back where it came from

Dictionary examples:

I have to return the book by Friday.

He immediately returned the records to the files.

The new TV broke so they returned it to the store.

Learner example:

Can you return it to me, please? (Key English Test; A2; Chinese)

return to sth

B2 to start doing an activity again or talking about something again

Dictionary examples:

I returned to work three months after Susie was born.

We keep returning to the same subject.

Learner example:

[In] August I must return to school, so I can only go to California in July. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

return (DO THE SAME)

C1 T to react to something that someone does or says by doing or saying the same

Dictionary examples:

I returned his smile.

I have to return Michael's call.

Learner example:

After the meeting he told me that this was the reason why he likes to work with me - thereby he returned the motivation that I gave to him. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; German)

return (HAPPEN AGAIN)

B2 I to happen again or start to exist again

Dictionary example:

You should call the doctor if the pain returns.

Learner example:

This made her calm down all of a sudden, and her voice returned. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

return to normal

C1 to go back to the usual condition

Dictionary example:

Life has begun to return to normal now that the holidays are over.

Learner example:

After exactly ten minutes the electricity was switched on again and our life returned to normal - what a relief! (First Certificate in English; B2; Swedish)

return · noun

/rɪˈtɜrn/

return (GOING BACK)

B1 no plural when someone goes or comes back to a place where they were before

Dictionary examples:

The whole town came out to celebrate his return from the war.

On his return to Sydney, he started up a business.

Learner example:

But on the return from Zurich we had a[n] accident and the car has been destroyed. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Swiss German)

return (COMPUTER)

B1 U a key on a computer keyboard that is used to make the computer accept information or to start a new line in a document

Dictionary example:

Type in the password and press return.

in return

B2 in exchange for something or as a reaction to something

Dictionary example:

I'd like to give them something in return for everything they've done for us.

Learner example:

I had a great time and in return I'd love to invite you to live at my house, while you are in Poland. (First Certificate in English; B2; Polish)