Returnee: meaning, definitions and examples

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returnee

 

[ rɪˈtɜːrniː ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

individual returning

A returnee is a person who returns to their home country after a period of absence, often due to work, study, or fleeing circumstances in another country. The term can also refer to someone returning to a previous position or status, whether in a professional or social context.

Synonyms

homecoming, reintegrated, repatriate

Examples of usage

  • The returnee from abroad shared stories of their travels.
  • The government's program supports the reintegration of returnees.
  • As a returnee, she found it challenging to adjust back to her old life.
  • Returnees often face cultural shock after being away for extended periods.

Translations

Translations of the word "returnee" in other languages:

🇵🇹 retornante

🇮🇳 वापसी करने वाला

🇩🇪 Rückkehrer

🇮🇩 pengembara

🇺🇦 поверненець

🇵🇱 powracający

🇯🇵 帰還者

🇫🇷 retourné

🇪🇸 retornante

🇹🇷 dönen

🇰🇷 귀환자

🇸🇦 العائد

🇨🇿 návratník

🇸🇰 návratník

🇨🇳 回归者

🇸🇮 vrnitev

🇮🇸 endurheimt

🇰🇿 қайтарушы

🇬🇪 მოსული

🇦🇿 qayıdan

🇲🇽 retornante

Word origin

The word 'returnee' is derived from the base word 'return', which has roots in Middle English 'returnen', meaning 'to come back', originating from the Old French 'retorner'. The suffix '-ee' denotes a person who is the recipient of an action or the object of a verb, commonly used in words like 'employee' or 'trainee'. The term gained prominence in humanitarian contexts, especially during the late 20th century, when discussions regarding refugees and displaced populations became more common. As nations began to understand the complexities associated with migration, the idea of a 'returnee' emerged as a distinct identity, focusing on individuals who had returned voluntarily or forcibly to their countries of origin.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,894, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.