return English · revision 3521

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=borrowing|attested=before 1325 (retornen)|origins=la tornāre}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: UK /rɪˈtɜːn/, US /rɪˈtɝːn/^(Roach et al. 2011)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is [[inh|enm|retornen]] (also [[m|enm|returnen]]), [[bor|fro|retorner|t=to turn back, turn round, return]] (modern [[m|fr|retourner]]),^(Barnhart 1988)^(Etymonline)^(SOED 2002) formed from [[m|fro|re-|t=back]] and [[m|fro|torner|t=to turn]],^(Barnhart 1988)^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024) through a Romance [[m|la-vul|*retornāre]],^(AHD 2000)^(Hoad 1986) from [[la|tornāre|t=to turn in a lathe]],^(AHD 2000)^(SOED 2002) the source of [[turn]].^(Etymonline)^(AHD 2000) It is partly also from Medieval Latin [[m|la-med|retornāre]].^(Etymonline) The noun is from [[m|xno|retorn]].^(Etymonline)^(SOED 2002)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ To come or go back to a former place or position: before 1325,^(Barnhart 1988) or the early 14th century.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ The spelling ''returnen'' appears about 1386, in Chaucer's ''Legend of Good Women''.^(Barnhart 1988) “To bring or send back” is first recorded in Chaucer's ''Boethius'',^(Barnhart 1988) and by the mid-15th century according to Etymonline.^(Etymonline) “To report officially, give an official account” in answer to a writ is from the early 15th century.^(Etymonline) “To give back in repayment or recompense” is from the 1590s, and “to give back, restore” from about 1600.^(Etymonline) The noun, the act of coming back, is from the late 14th century, as is an official report of election results.^(Etymonline) ''By return of post'' is from 1642,^(OED 1989) and a return ticket from 1868.^(OED 1989) The adjective is from 1676^(MW Collegiate) or 1670.^(MWU 2024)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * before 1325 – to come back.^(Barnhart 1988)

+ * c. 1386 – the spelling ''returnen'' (Chaucer).^(Barnhart 1988)

+ * late 14th century – noun, the act of returning; an election return.^(Etymonline)

+ * early 15th century – to report officially.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1590s – to give in repayment.^(Etymonline)

+ * c. 1600 – to restore.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1642 – ''by return of post''.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1868 – a return ticket.^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Verb===

+ # To go or come back, as to a former place or condition.^(AHD)^(SOED 2002)

+ # To revert in speech, thought or practice.^(AHD)

+ # To send, put or carry back; to give back to the owner.^(AHD)^(Etymonline)

+ # To give in exchange or reply: ''return a favour''.^(AHD)^(Etymonline)

+ # To yield profit or interest.^(AHD)

+ # To deliver a report or [[verdict]] officially.^(AHD)^(Etymonline)

+ # To elect to office.^(AHD)^(Etymonline)

+

+ ===Noun===

+ # The act of coming or sending back.^(AHD)^(SOED 2002)

+ # Something sent back, such as returned goods.^(AHD)

+ # ''(often returns)'' Profit or yield on an investment.^(AHD)

+ # An official report, such as a [[tax]] return or election results.^(AHD)^(Etymonline)

+ # ''(British)'' A return ticket.^(OED 1989)

+

+ ===Adjective===

+ # Of or for going back: ''a return trip''.^(AHD)^(MW Collegiate)

+ # Given or done in exchange or again: ''a return visit''.^(AHD)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[returner]]

+ * [[unreturning]]

+ * [[nonreturn]]

+ * [[returnee]]

+ * [[returning officer]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[turn]]

+ * [[returnable]]

+ * [[tour]]

+

+ ==Usage notes==

+ The American Heritage Dictionary compares ''return'', the least specific, with ''revert'', ''recur'', ''recrudesce'' and ''reciprocate''.^(AHD)

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}