Swap Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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swap

[swɒp ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

exchange

To give something and receive something else in return; to trade or exchange items, places, or positions.

Synonyms

barter, exchange, switch, trade.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
swap	Used when two parties agree to give each other something of roughly equal value, often informally. Let's swap books when we're done reading They swapped lunch items at school
exchange	Indicates the act of giving one thing and receiving another, suitable for both formal and informal scenarios. We exchanged gifts during the holiday The students exchanged phone numbers after the class
trade	Often used in a more commercial or economic context, suggesting a formal or professional exchange of goods or services. They traded stocks on the market The two countries trade a lot of goods
switch	Implies changing from one thing to another, often used when referring to actions, positions, or states, rather than physical objects. She decided to switch careers last year He switched seats with his friend
barter	Refers to a system of exchange where goods or services are traded directly without the use of money, usually in a more formal or traditional setting. In the old days, people would barter goods instead of using money They bartered their handmade crafts for fresh produce at the market

Examples of usage

I swapped my pen for her pencil.
Let's swap seats so you can sit by the window.
We can swap stories about our vacations.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

exchange

An act of swapping; an instance of exchanging one thing for another.

Synonyms

barter, exchange, switch, trade.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
swap	Used informally when you give one thing and receive another thing in return, often used for simple transactions between friends or in casual settings. Let's swap books for the weekend They swapped their old phone for a smartwatch
exchange	Used in both formal and informal contexts to describe giving and receiving something of similar value, often used for official or organized scenarios like currency exchange or student exchange programs. He exchanged his dollars for euros at the airport The schools have an exchange program with students from Germany
trade	Used in both casual and business contexts to describe the exchange of goods and services, often involving a more complex or commercial transaction. They traded baseball cards at the local store The countries agreed to trade agricultural products
switch	Used when you change one thing for another, often used in the context of changing decisions, places, or positions. It implies a more deliberate or systemic change. She switched seats with him to have a better view The company switched to a new software system
barter	Used in a more formal or traditional context when you exchange goods or services directly without using money. Often used to describe historical trade practices or in situations where money is not involved. In ancient times, people would barter goods like grain and livestock They bartered their skills for food and shelter

Examples of usage

This swap of books between us will allow us to read something new.
The swap of prisoners between the two countries was a sign of goodwill.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

In many TV shows and movies, characters often swap items or places to create humor or solve problems, highlighting the collaborative nature of the concept.
The popular game show 'Swap or Drop' focuses on contestants swapping items to win prizes, showing the fun aspect of exchanging things.

Technology

In computer science, swapping refers to temporarily exchanging data between RAM and a hard drive to manage memory more effectively.
Peer-to-peer file sharing allows users to swap digital items, such as music or videos, directly over the internet.

Psychology

Swapping can promote cooperation and social bonding, as exchanging items creates trust between individuals.
Studies have shown that people often feel happier after a swap because it can enhance their sense of ownership and satisfaction.

Economics

In economics, a swap agreement is a financial contract where two parties exchange cash flows to benefit from favorable interest rates or currencies.
The concept of swapping underpins many barter systems that predate currency, showcasing longstanding trade practices.

Origin of 'swap'

Main points about word origin

The word 'swap' is believed to come from the 15th-century dialect of England, where 'swappen' meant to strike or hit, likely referring to a quick exchange.
In the 19th century, 'swap' became popular in informal language, closely tied to barter systems where people traded goods directly without money.

The origin of the word 'swap' can be traced back to the Middle English word 'swappen', which meant 'to strike, beat, or wipe'. Over time, the meaning of the word evolved to refer to the act of exchanging or trading items. The concept of swapping has been a common practice in human societies for centuries, as a way to obtain goods or services without using money. Today, the word 'swap' is widely used in various contexts to describe the exchange of items, positions, or roles.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,682, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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13679 liturgical
13680 devaluation
13681 transact
13682 swap
13683 staffed
13684 vibrant
13685 commonest
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