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View synonyms for reciprocate

reciprocate

[ ri-sip-ruh-keyt ]

verb (used with object)

, re·cip·ro·cat·ed, re·cip·ro·cat·ing.
  1. to give, feel, etc., in return.

    Synonyms: retaliate, respond, return

  2. to give and receive reciprocally; interchange:

    to reciprocate favors.

  3. to cause to move alternately backward and forward.


verb (used without object)

, re·cip·ro·cat·ed, re·cip·ro·cat·ing.
  1. to make a return, as for something given.
  2. to make interchange.
  3. to be correspondent.
  4. to move alternately backward and forward.

reciprocate

/ rɪˈsɪprəˌkeɪt /

verb

  1. to give or feel in return
  2. to move or cause to move backwards and forwards
  3. intr to be correspondent or equivalent


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Derived Forms

  • reˌciproˈcation, noun
  • reˈciprocative, adjective
  • reˈciproˌcator, noun

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Other Words From

  • re·cip·ro·ca·tive re·cip·ro·ca·to·ry [ri-, sip, -r, uh, -k, uh, -tawr-ee], adjective
  • re·cip·ro·ca·tor noun
  • non·re·cip·ro·cat·ing adjective
  • un·re·cip·ro·cat·ing adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of reciprocate1

First recorded in 1605–15; from Latin reciprocātus, past participle of reciprocāre “to move back and forth”; -ate 1

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Word History and Origins

Origin of reciprocate1

C17: from Latin reciprocāre , from reciprocus reciprocal

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Example Sentences

“She was always aloof, quiet, and never put out any effort to reciprocate,” Wall said.

And world powers said they were ready to reciprocate, if Iran gave significant assurances.

The Israelis reciprocate with unique intelligence assistance.

They treat the Yemenis with contempt, and the Yemenis reciprocate.

When we meet in debates, Karl is cordial—even genial—and I do my best to reciprocate.

This dedication is very precious, as indicating your regard for me, and on my part I reciprocate your feeling.

I can assure you it would have been very pleasant and interesting, for I, too, warmly reciprocate your sympathy.

To-day we reciprocate by sending Western farmers with capital into the Canadian Northwest.

I must, however, allow that Mr. Henson is a courteous disputant, and I hope I shall reciprocate his good feeling.

Hence, there was always some truth in the charge of his friends that he failed to reciprocate their devotion with his favors.

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reciprocal translocationreciprocated