Returner Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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returner
[rɪˈtɜrnər ]
Definition
sports, technology
A returner refers to a player in various sports who is responsible for returning the ball from the opposing team. In football, this typically means receiving a kickoff or punt and attempting to advance the ball. In tennis, a returner is the player who responds to the server's serve. The effectiveness of a returner can significantly impact the outcome of a game, as skilled returners can create scoring opportunities. In technology, a returner can also refer to a function or method that provides a value back to the calling or executing environment.
Synonyms
receiver, respondent, retailer.
Examples of usage
- The returner caught the kickoff and made a swift run.
- As a returner, she excelled at reading the server's movements.
- The quarterback praised his returner for the successful play.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- In sports, a 'returner' is a player specifically trained to bring the ball back after a kick-off or punt, showcasing agility and speed.
- In literature, characters often return to their origins, symbolizing growth and closure, which highlights the importance of returning in storytelling.
- Cultural traditions in various societies celebrate returners, such as veterans returning home or students coming back after studying abroad, marking significant moments in life.
Psychology
- 'Returners' in the context of mental health may relate to individuals who go back to therapy to address ongoing issues, demonstrating the importance of support over time.
- Revisiting familiar places can trigger nostalgia, which is psychologically beneficial for emotional recovery and well-being, linking back to the concept of returning.
- Research shows that people often feel more complete or happier after returning to places linked to positive memories, reinforcing the positive aspects of being a returner.
Technology
- In the digital world, 'returners' may refer to users who come back to websites or apps, essential for understanding user engagement and retention.
- Games often profile returners through analytics that track players returning to complete quests or levels, integral to game design.
- Social media platforms regularly analyze returners to enhance features that encourage users to return, highlighting their engagement strategies.
Business
- In a corporate context, returners may refer to employees who take a break from work (like parental leave) and return, often bringing fresh perspectives.
- Companies may implement returnship programs for professionals who have been away from the workforce, indicating a growing recognition of diverse career paths.
- Understanding why returners return can help businesses improve their work culture and address any factors that lead to employee turnover.
Origin of 'returner'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'returner' combines 'return' from Old French 'retourner,' meaning 'to turn back.'
- The concept of returning dates back to early languages, emphasizing a cycle of coming back, whether physically or in a role.
- Many languages have their version of the word reflecting similar notions of coming back, showing the relevance across cultures.
The word 'returner' is formed from the base verb 'return', which comes from the Old French 'retourner', meaning 'to turn back'. The roots of 'return' can be traced back to the Latin word 'retornare', which combines 're-' (meaning 'back') and 'tornare' (meaning 'to turn'). The noun form 'returner' emerged in the late 19th century as sports became more formalized, giving rise to specific roles within team dynamics. By the mid-20th century, the term was widely adopted in American football and tennis, reflecting the specific actions involved in these sports. Today, 'returner' not only describes a player in sports but also extends into technological contexts, indicating functions that yield output, thus highlighting the term's versatility in modern language.
Word Frequency Rank
Ranking #39,903, 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.
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