retornare

Retornare is a verb found in Italian and in some Romance languages, generally meaning to return or to go back. In Italian, the form is considered archaic or literary; contemporary equivalents in common use are ritornare and tornare. The meaning overlaps with these verbs and with the English word return.

Etymology and related forms: the Italian verb Retornare derives from Latin retornare, formed with the prefix re- meaning again and a root related to tornare (to turn back). This family of verbs has cognates in other Romance languages, including Spanish retornar and Portuguese retornar, and related forms in French retourner.

Usage and register: in Italian, retornare appears mainly in historical texts, poetry, or formal administrative language, where a more standard or regional style is desired. In everyday speech, ritornare and tornare are far more common and preferred. The word’s presence generally signals a literary or formal tone, or is used for emphasis on the action of returning after a departure.

Cross-linguistic notes: the term shares its core meaning with its cognates across the Romance language family. In Spanish and Portuguese, retornar/retornar is the standard verb for “to return,” while Italian relies on ritornare or tornare for quotidian usage. English equivalents are “to return” or “to come back.”

See also: ritornare, tornare, retornar, retornar.