RECIPROCATE


Meaning of RECIPROCATE in English

transcription, транскрипция: [ ri-ˈsi-prə-ˌkāt ]

verb

( -cat·ed ; -cat·ing )

Date: 1607

transitive verb

1. : to give and take mutually

2. : to return in kind or degree

reciprocate a compliment gracefully

intransitive verb

1. : to make a return for something

we hope to reciprocate for your kindness

2. : to move forward and backward alternately

a reciprocating valve

• re·cip·ro·ca·tor -ˌkā-tər noun

Synonyms:

reciprocate , retaliate , requite , return mean to give back usually in kind or in quantity. reciprocate implies a mutual or equivalent exchange or a paying back of what one has received

reciprocated their hospitality by inviting them for a visit

retaliate usually implies a paying back of injury in exact kind, often vengefully

the enemy retaliated by executing their prisoners

requite implies a paying back according to one's preference and often not equivalently

requited her love with cold indifference

return implies a paying or giving back

returned their call

return good for evil

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.