revenir
/ʁə.və.ˈniʁ/
Definition
To come back to a place, person, or topic after being away or leaving it.
Example
Elle revient à la maison après une longue journée.
Show translation
She comes back home after a long day.
Etymology
From Old French *revenir*, a compound of the prefix *re-* ("again, back") and *venir* ("to come"), itself from Latin *venīre*. The *re-* prefix is extremely productive in French, giving dozens of common verbs the sense of repetition or return — compare *refaire* (to redo), *repartir* (to leave again), *revoir* (to see again).
Cultural note
The phrase **"revenir sur ses pas"** (to retrace one's steps) is widely used both literally and figuratively in French. Similarly, **"ça revient cher"** (it ends up being expensive) is a very common idiomatic use that surprises many learners — so watch out for this false friend with "to come back"; context is everything.