return

To give something back to someone or put it where it was before.

• Please return my book.
• She returned the tools to their shelf.
• Can I return these shoes without a receipt?

How to use it: return something to someone/something (Please return the keys to the owner.)

Similar words: give back, put back, hand back

Common phrases: return a book, return something, return something to someone

To come or go back to a place or person.

• We will return tomorrow.
• She returned home late last night.
• When did you return from your trip?

How to use it: return to a place/person (He returned to his family after the war.); return from a place (We returned from Spain on Monday.)

Similar words: come back, go back

Opposites: leave, depart

Common phrases: return home, return to work, return to someone

If a feeling, thought, or problem comes back, you experience it again.

• The pain returned last night.
• Her confidence slowly returned after the first success.
• What should I do if the symptoms return?

Similar words: come back, recur, reappear

Opposites: disappear

Common phrases: return suddenly, return with force, return to someone

To start doing an activity again after stopping it.

• He returned to work in May.
• She returned to studying after raising her children.
• Will you return to teaching next year?

How to use it: return to something/doing something (She returned to painting after a long break.)

Similar words: resume, go back to

Opposites: stop, quit

Common phrases: return to teaching, return to training, return to work

To do the same thing to someone that they have done to you.

• She returned his smile.
• You helped me, and now I can return the favor.
• He loved her, but she never returned his affection.

Similar words: reciprocate

Common phrases: return a smile, return the favor, return someone's greeting, return someone's affection

To hit a ball back toward the other player in a game.

• She returned the ball easily.
• He could not return my first serve.
• Try to return the shot across the court.

Similar words: hit back

Common phrases: return the ball, return a serve, return a shot

The act or occasion of coming back to a place or person.

• We celebrated her return.
• His return home was delayed by snow.
• Everyone wished them a safe return from their journey.

How to use it: return to a place (Her return to the village surprised everyone.); on someone's return (On his return, we shared a meal.)

Similar words: homecoming

Opposites: departure

Common phrases: return home, someone's return, safe return, return from something

A bought item that a customer takes or sends back to the shop.

• This shop accepts returns.
• The assistant checked each return for damage.
• You need a receipt for all returns.

Similar words: returned item

Common phrases: accept a return, process a return, customer return