exchange
n. C / Un. an act of giving something to someone and receiving something else in return. You use this when talking about trading money, ideas, or goods.
n. the act of giving or taking one thing in return for another. Often used in financial contexts to refer to the conversion of currency or the marketplace where securities are traded.
The two countries signed a trade exchange agreement.
The exchange of information between the two departments helped the project finish ahead of schedule.
While the initial exchange of pleasantries was brief, the subsequent negotiation over the contract terms lasted several hours and required multiple legal revisions.
From Middle English eschaunge, borrowed from Anglo-Norman eschaunge, from Old French eschange (whence modern French échange), from the verb eschanger, from Vulgar Latin *excambiāre (from Latin ex with Late Latin cambiō). Spelling later changed on the basis of ex-, with pronunciation following. By surface analysis, ex- + change.
From Middle English eschaungen, from Anglo-Norman eschaungier, Old French eschanger, from the Old French verb eschangier, eschanger (whence modern French échanger), from Vulgar Latin *excambiāre (from Latin ex with Late Latin cambiō). Gradually displaced native Old English wrixlan, wixlan (“to change, exchange, reciprocate”) and its descendants, wrixle being one of them.
Often takes the preposition 'of' (an exchange of ideas) or 'for' (in exchange for).
I gave him my book in exchange of his penI gave him my book in exchange for his penWhen used to mean 'in return for', the fixed phrase is 'in exchange for', not 'of'.
- 01
exchange contracts
To formally contract to purchase, sell or otherwise be party to a disposition of an estate in land; usually requiring the payment of a deposit by one of the parties.
- 02
exchange flesh
To engage in sexual intercourse.
- 03
exchange of contracts
The point or stage at which a conveyancing contract comes into existence between negotiating parties for the carrying out of a disposition of an estate in land; usually requiring the payment of a deposit.