Give back
phrasal verb
To return something to its original owner.
After you are done with my book, please give it back to me.
Often appears as...
- give it back
- give back to me
phrasal verb
To do something good as a way to show that you are grateful for something.
He wants to give back to his community by volunteering.
Often appears as...
- give back to community
- give back to society
Usage tips
Approving
phrasal verb
To return something to its original owner.
After you are done with my book, please give it back to me.
Often appears as...
- give it back
- give back to me
phrasal verb
To do something good as a way to show that you are grateful for something.
He wants to give back to his community by volunteering.
Often appears as...
- give back to community
- give back to society
Usage tips
Approving
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Items
Usually involves returning tangible objects you've borrowed or taken.
I'll give back your headphones tomorrow.
Pro Tip 2/3Expectation
The original owner expects to receive the item back.
She lent me her camera, so I need to give it back next week.
Pro Tip 3/3Time Sensitivity
Sometimes there's an implied deadline to return the item.
Please give back the dress before the store closes.
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Items
Usually involves returning tangible objects you've borrowed or taken.
I'll give back your headphones tomorrow.
Pro Tip 2/3Expectation
The original owner expects to receive the item back.
She lent me her camera, so I need to give it back next week.
Pro Tip 3/3Time Sensitivity
Sometimes there's an implied deadline to return the item.
Please give back the dress before the store closes.
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Items
Usually involves returning tangible objects you've borrowed or taken.
I'll give back your headphones tomorrow.
Pro Tip 2/3Expectation
The original owner expects to receive the item back.
She lent me her camera, so I need to give it back next week.
Pro Tip 3/3Time Sensitivity
Sometimes there's an implied deadline to return the item.
Please give back the dress before the store closes.
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