Why do we say refunded and not returned?

[Karen]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #158 "Airport and flight travel expressions", question 5

If you fail to check in on time or fail to board the aircraft by the time the aircraft departs, the fare you paid will not be ......... to you for any reason whatsoever.

(a) returned
(b) remunerated
(c) refunded
(d) rewarded

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #158 "Airport and flight travel expressions", answer 5

If you fail to check in on time or fail to board the aircraft by the time the aircraft departs, the fare you paid will not be refunded to you for any reason whatsoever.

Correct answer: (c) refunded

Your answer was: incorrect
If you fail to check in on time or fail to board the aircraft by the time the aircraft departs, the fare you paid will not be returned to you for any reason whatsoever.
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why do we say refunded and not returned?

many thanks
Karen

[Yankee]

Hi

I suppose that saying returned isn't completely incorrect in the sentence seeing as "to refund" means "to return or give back money paid."

However, using the word refund really is absolutely the standard choice of words when you talk about getting your money back for something that you'd already paid for.

Amy
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Amy
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ESL teacher, translator, and a native speaker of American English