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Reciprocate: meaning, definitions and examples

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reciprocate

 

[ rɪˈsɪprəkeɪt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

social interaction

To respond to a gesture or action by making a corresponding one. It involves exchanging similar actions or feelings with someone who has shown them to you.

Synonyms

match, repay, return.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
reciprocate

Used when responding to an action or feeling in a mutual or equivalent way, often in relationships or social settings.

  • She smiled at him, and he reciprocated
  • He felt the need to reciprocate her kindness
return

General term for giving something back or going back to a place; can be used in various contexts like borrowing items, traveling, or a change of situation.

  • I need to return these books to the library
  • He will return home tomorrow
repay

Relates to returning something, usually money or a favor, to someone who provided it first; often involves settling debts or obligations.

  • I need to repay the loan
  • She wanted to repay him for his help
match

Applied when comparing things or situations that are identical or similar; often used in competitive or comparative scenarios.

  • Their skills match perfectly
  • The curtains and the rug match each other

Examples of usage

  • He always reciprocates my invitations to lunch.
  • After she gave him a gift, he felt obligated to reciprocate.
  • The couple reciprocated each other's love and affection.
  • I am happy to reciprocate the favor.
  • We should reciprocate kindness with kindness.

Translations

Translations of the word "reciprocate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 retribuir

🇮🇳 बदला लेना

🇩🇪 erwidern

🇮🇩 membalas

🇺🇦 відповідати взаємністю

🇵🇱 odwzajemniać

🇯🇵 報いる (むくいる)

🇫🇷 rendre la pareille

🇪🇸 reciprocidad

🇹🇷 karşılık vermek

🇰🇷 보답하다

🇸🇦 رد بالمثل

🇨🇿 opětovat

🇸🇰 opätovať

🇨🇳 回报 (huíbào)

🇸🇮 odgovoriti

🇮🇸 endurgjalda

🇰🇿 қайтару

🇬🇪 პასუხის გაცემა

🇦🇿 qarşılıq vermək

🇲🇽 reciprocidad

Etymology

The word 'reciprocate' has Latin roots, coming from the Latin word 'reciprocatus', which means 'moved back and forth'. It entered the English language in the mid-17th century. The concept of reciprocation has been essential in human interactions throughout history, emphasizing the importance of mutual exchange and response in relationships.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,476, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.