reciprocate

verb
UK: /rɪˈsɪprəkeɪt/
US: /rɪˈsɪprəkeɪt/

  1. To do something for someone because they have done something for you.

    1. I will reciprocate the favor next time, I promise.
    2. They appreciated her kindness but were unsure how to reciprocate her generous offer of help.

  2. To share the same feelings as someone else.

    1. He does not reciprocate my love.
    2. Despite her affections, he could not reciprocate her feelings in the same way.

  3. To move back and forth or in an alternating manner.

    1. The engine parts reciprocate rapidly.
    2. The saw blade continues to reciprocate, cutting through the thick wood with ease.

Synonyms

exchange repay requite alternate return
reciprocate transitive-verb

  1. To give something back, usually in the same kind or amount.

    1. I reciprocate their gifts.
    2. The company aims to reciprocate the investment by supporting community projects.
reciprocate intransitive-verb

  1. To behave in a similar way to someone else.

    1. I reciprocate with kindness.
    2. It is important to reciprocate politely when receiving compliments from acquaintances.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "reciprocate" in English means: To do something for someone because they have done something for you., To share the same feelings as someone else., To move back and forth or in an alternating manner..

The phonetic transcription of "reciprocate" is /rɪˈsɪprəkeɪt/ in British English and /rɪˈsɪprəkeɪt/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "reciprocate": exchange, repay, requite, alternate, return.

Example usage of "reciprocate": "I will reciprocate the favor next time, I promise.". More examples on the page.