ENGLISH
REFERENCE

returning

v. · n.
US //ɹiˈtɝnɪŋ// UK //ɹɪtˈɜːnɪŋ// re·turn·ing
  1. 1 coming back (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    coming back to a place you were at before.

    the act of coming back to a previous location or state; used as a present participle to indicate ongoing motion.

    Example

    The birds are returning to the park now that spring has arrived.

    Example

    Returning to the village after twenty years, he found that the quiet lanes of his childhood had been replaced by busy paved roads.

    Usage

    Often followed by the preposition 'to'.
  2. 2 giving back (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    giving or sending something back to its owner or where it belongs.

    the act of restoring or giving back an item to its original possessor or location.

    Example

    I am returning these library books because they are already overdue.

    Example

    The customer service department is currently returning all faulty units to the manufacturer for a full technical inspection.

    Usage

    Transitive verb taking a direct object.
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  1. 3 the act of coming back (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the event of someone or something coming back.

    the action or instance of coming back to a place or a previous condition.

    Example

    The fans celebrated the player's returning to the team after his injury.

    Example

    The returning of the stolen artifacts to their country of origin was a significant diplomatic victory for the ministry.

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