Bring back Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bring back

[brɪŋ bæk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

action

To bring something back means to return it to its original place or state. It can also refer to reviving something that was popular or common in the past.

Synonyms

return, revive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bring back

Used when referring to retrieving or reintroducing something from the past.

  • They decided to bring back the old uniform design for the anniversary celebration.
  • Can you bring back some souvenirs from your trip?
return

Used when giving something back to its original place or person.

  • Please return the book to the library when you are done with it.
  • After a long vacation, she was happy to return home.
revive

Used when making something active, effective, or successful again after a period of decline or inactivity.

  • The new policy aims to revive the economy.
  • Doctors worked hard to revive the patient.

Examples of usage

  • Can you bring back the book you borrowed?
  • The fashion trend from the 90s is making a comeback.
Context #2 | Noun

nostalgia

Bring back can also be used as a noun to refer to something that evokes memories or feelings of the past.

Synonyms

reminder, reminiscence.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bring back

This phrase is often used when talking about returning something to its original place or state or when recalling memories. It can be used in casual conversations.

  • Can you bring back my book tomorrow?
  • Hearing that song always brings back memories of my childhood.
reminder

This is suitable when referring to something that helps someone remember something else. It is often used in professional or formal contexts as well as in everyday situations.

  • I set a reminder on my phone to take my medicine.
  • That old photo is a reminder of our family vacation.
reminiscence

This is used when talking about the act of recalling past experiences, often in a nostalgic manner. It is typically found in more formal or literary contexts.

  • During dinner, they engaged in reminiscence about their college days.
  • His story is a beautiful reminiscence of his childhood in the countryside.

Examples of usage

  • The old song brought back memories of my childhood.
  • The smell of cookies baking in the oven always brings back warm feelings.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • The phrase often appears in songs and pop culture, reflecting themes of nostalgia and the desire to return to better times.
  • Movies and TV shows frequently use this phrase to highlight emotional reunions or the quest to retrieve lost items or memories.
  • Political speeches often invoke the notion of 'bringing back' certain values or policies, resonating with people's longing for the past.

Psychology

  • The concept of bringing something back can be associated with feelings of nostalgia, which can evoke emotions of happiness but also sadness.
  • Psychologically, the act of returning items can create feelings of closure and completeness.
  • Research suggests that recalling past experiences, often attached to 'bringing back', can strengthen memory retention.

Literature

  • In literature, characters often embark on journeys to 'bring back' something important, symbolizing their growth and change.
  • Themes of retrieval in stories demonstrate the human desire to reconnect with lost aspects of their identity.
  • Classic novels frequently explore the consequences of attempting to 'bring back' lost love or childhood innocence.

Origin of 'bring back'

Main points about word origin

  • The phrase combines the verb 'bring', meaning to carry or deliver, and 'back', indicating a return to a previous position.
  • The origin of 'bring' traces back to Old English 'bringan', which means to carry or lead.
  • 'Back' comes from Old Norse 'bak' and is used in many phrases indicating return.

The phrase 'bring back' originated from the combination of the words 'bring' and 'back', which individually have Old English roots. 'Bring' comes from the Proto-Germanic word 'brenganan', while 'back' can be traced back to the Old English word 'bæc'. The phrase has been used in English for centuries and continues to be a common expression in modern language.