Learn How to Pronounce return

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return

Definition:

(nou) document giving the tax collector information about the taxpayer's tax liability (nou) a coming to or returning home (nou) the occurrence of a change in direction back in the opposite direction (nou) getting something back again (nou) the act of going back to a prior location (nou) the income or profit arising from such transactions as the sale of land or other property (nou) happening again (especially at regular intervals) (nou) a quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one) (nou) the key on electric typewriters or computer keyboards that causes a carriage return and a line feed (nou) a reciprocal group action (nou) a tennis stroke that sends the ball back to the other player (nou) the act of running back the ball after a kickoff or punt or interception or fumble (nou) the act of someone appearing again

Phonetic Transcription:

rɪˈtɜːn

Examples:

Optimistically, he will return.

They return, dispirited, to the penthouse.

He returned to the lounge windows and stood fidgeting, waiting for her return.

Learn more about:
return

Related Words:

come

How to perfect your pronunciation of: return

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Common mistakes of return pronunciation

Misplacing stress: Many learners incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "re-'TURN". In both US and UK pronunciations, the primary stress is on the second syllable, as in /rɪˈtɜrn/ (US) and /rɪˈtɜːn/ (UK). Tip: Focus on emphasizing "TURN".
Vowel confusion: Some may pronounce the first syllable as "ree" instead of "ri". The correct pronunciation starts with a short "i" sound, as in /rɪˈtɜrn/ (US) and /rɪˈtɜːn/ (UK). Tip: Practice with similar short vowel sounds like "sit" or "bit".
Omitting the "r": A common mistake is dropping the "r" sound in "return", leading to "e-turn". The "r" is crucial and pronounced clearly in both accents: /rɪˈtɜrn/ (US) and /rɪˈtɜːn/ (UK). Tip: Keep your tongue close to the roof of your mouth for a clear "r".
Incorrect ending sound: Some learners may pronounce the final sound as "n" instead of "n" with a slight nasal quality. The ending should be a clear /n/ sound in both US and UK pronunciations. Tip: Practice saying words like "can" and "man" to master the nasal sound.
Overemphasizing the "e": Some might pronounce it as "e-return", adding an unnecessary vowel sound. The correct pronunciation begins with a clear "r" sound, not "e". Tip: Start with "r" and flow directly into "eturn" to avoid adding extra sounds.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "return" in American English?

In American English, "return" is pronounced as /rɪˈtɜrn/. The stress is on the second syllable, "turn," which is pronounced with a strong "er" sound.

What is the British pronunciation of "return"?

In British English, "return" is pronounced as /rɪˈtɜːn/. The main difference is the longer vowel sound in the second syllable, which is noted with the "ː" symbol.

Does "return" have a schwa sound in it?

Yes, in the pronunciation of "return" /rɪˈtɜrn/, the first syllable "re-" is pronounced with a short "i" sound, similar to a schwa. This makes it sound quick and unstressed compared to the stressed second syllable.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "return"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress on the first syllable, saying "RE-turn" instead of "re-TURN." Remember, the stress is on the second syllable, which helps make your pronunciation clearer.