Return: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this word when you are giving something back to its original place or owner. It is commonly used in both formal and informal settings.

• I need to return these books to the library.
• She returned the dress she bought yesterday.

This phrase is typically used when sending something away, usually by mail or delivery, back to the sender or origin. It can also imply dissatisfaction with the item being sent back.

• I need to send back this package to the sender.
• She sent back the meal because it was undercooked.

This phrase is often used in casual contexts when you are handing something back to the person it belongs to.

• Can you give back my pen?
• He gave back the money he borrowed.

This word has a formal tone and is often used when you are giving way to someone or something, or giving up possession of something. It can also mean the production of something, especially in an agricultural or financial context.

• Drivers must yield to pedestrians at crosswalks.
• The farm yielded a good harvest this year.

Formal or neutral situations where someone is going back to a place where they have been before, or when sending something back.

• I will return to the office after lunch.
• Please return the book to the library when you are finished.

Informal situations when referring to leaving the current location to go to a previous location.

• I need to go back to the store, I forgot to buy milk.
• Let’s go back to the park where we had the picnic.

Casual situations when someone is talking about going to a place where they currently are, or where the speaker is.

• Come back to the party, it’s just getting started!
• I will come back home after my classes.

Situations where someone is considering going back to a place or topic they have seen or encountered before, often for further exploration or reflection.

• We should revisit our previous discussion about the project.
• I would love to revisit Paris someday.

Used when a customer wants to send back an item to the seller. It's a general term applicable in most situations where items are involved.

• I want to return this dress because it doesn't fit me.
• You can return the product within 30 days for a full refund.

Used when a customer wants their money back after returning an item. This term focuses on the financial aspect of a return.

• I didn't like the product, so I asked for a refund.
• The company offered a full refund for the defective product.

Used when a customer wants to swap an item for another item. This is commonly used in retail settings.

• Can I exchange this shirt for a different size?
• The store allows exchanges, so you can pick another item if you're not satisfied.

Used when someone is compensating another person for money spent, often in a work or travel context, not typically for general product returns.

• The company will reimburse you for your travel expenses.
• Employees need to submit their receipts to get reimbursement for office supplies.