ENGLISH
REFERENCE

return

n. C / U
A1 Beginner Oxford US //ɹiˈtɝn// re·turn Archaic General-service

n. the act of coming back to a place or starting an activity again. It can also mean the profit you make from an investment.

n. the act or instance of coming back to a former place, condition, or activity; also refers to the profit or yield generated by an investment or enterprise.


SIMPLE

I am looking forward to your return from vacation.

CONTEXTUAL

The company saw a significant return on its investment after the new product line became a global success.

COMPLEX

The explorer's triumphant return to the capital was met with a grand parade, celebrating the successful completion of a journey many had deemed impossible.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English returnen, retornen, from Anglo-Norman returner, from Old French retourner, retorner, from Medieval Latin retornare (“to turn back”), from re- + tornare (“to turn”). By surface analysis, re- + turn. Compare beturn.

Usage

Often used with the preposition 'on' when referring to financial profit ('return on investment').

Pitfall

in return of your helpin return for your helpWhen expressing gratitude or exchange, the noun 'return' takes the preposition 'for' rather than 'of'.

Idioms3 entries

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