Definition of the word come round

The phrase "come round" is a colloquial expression commonly used in English, particularly in British English. The literal meaning of "come round" is "visit or arrive at a place or person" usually implying a social gathering or meeting. The origin of this phrase can be traced back to the Old English word "hround" which meant "around". Over time, the words "hround" and "round" came to be used interchangeably, implying a circular or complete journey. By the Middle English period, the term "runnen" (meaning "to run") began to be used in conjunction with "round" to describe people, objects, or ideas moving around or returning. In the 16th century, the phrase "come round" began to emerge. While initially, it was used in a more general sense, denoting any return or reappearance, its contemporary usage is more specific, relating to socializing and visiting. The phrase has gradually become increasingly informal, and its usage is largely limited to spoken English today. Due to its informal nature, it is not commonly included in standard dictionaries, but debates have demanded its addition as a recognized idiom now. Nonetheless, certain people, particularly those following traditional grammar rules, prefer to avoid using this idiom to convey a more formally polite version - "come back" or "return".