revertor
[rɛˈwɛr.tɔr]
To return in Latin is expressed by several verbs, most commonly revertor. Wiktionary also lists regredior and redeō.
Meaning: to come or go back (verb)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA |
|---|---|
| revertor | [rɛˈwɛr.tɔr] (Classical Latin, narrow) [reˈvɛr.tor] (narrow) |
| regredior | [rɛˈɡrɛ.di.ɔr] (Classical Latin, narrow) [reˈɡrɛː.di.or] (narrow) |
| redeō | |
| reveniō | |
| remeo | [ˈrɛ.me.oː] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈrɛː.me.o] (narrow) |
| rebito |
The Latin language uses different verbs to express the act of returning depending on the specific nuance of the movement. While these terms generally mean to come or go back, they can also describe turning back or stepping backward. In a financial sense, the related noun reditus is used to describe income or the return from an investment.
Which one should you use?
The choice between these forms depends on the type of movement: revertor often carries the nuance of turning back or reverting to a previous state or direction, while regredior specifically emphasizes the act of stepping backward or retracing one's steps.
Related words
Did you know?
- Because revertor uses a reflexive form, the Latin language conceptually frames the act of returning as 'turning oneself back'.
- The Latin root in regredior is shared with the word 'progress', meaning they are linguistic mirrors of stepping forward and stepping backward.
- The verb vertō within revertor is the same root found in 'vertical', as both involve a sense of turning or direction.
Examples in context
- Mox huc revertor.I'll return soon.This sentence is useful for saying when you will return using revertor.Tatoeba #8885875 by alexmarcelo, translation #5758177 by CM
- In baculo meo transivi Iordanem istum et nunc cum duabus turmis regredior. Erue me de manu fratris mei, de manu Esau, quia valde eum timeo, ne forte veniens percutiat matrem cum filiis.With my staff, I passed over this Jordan, and now I return with two companies. Deliver me from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am greatly afraid of him, lest perhaps he come and kill the mother with the children.This sentence is useful for describing the act of returning using regredior.Tatoeba #7832679 by carlosalberto, translation #7832687 by carlosalberto
- Post multos dies ad domum revertor.After many days, I return home.
Example conversation
Marcus is leaving a room and telling Lucia he will be back soon.
- MarcusNunc abeo, sed mox revertor.I am leaving now, but I will return soon.
- LuciaCur tam cito abis?Why are you leaving so quickly?
- MarcusLibros meos oblitus sum.I forgot my books.
- LuciaBene, te expecto.Fine, I am waiting for you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “return” translations and entries revertor, regredior, remeo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
