exchange
n. · v.-
1 giving and receiving (n.) B1 Intermediatethe act of giving something to someone and receiving something else from them.
the act of giving or taking one thing in return for another; a reciprocal transfer.
ExampleThe two countries signed an agreement for the exchange of students and teachers.
ExampleThe cultural exchange programme aims to foster mutual understanding by allowing young professionals to live and work in diverse environments.
-
2 a conversation (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatea short conversation or an argument between people.
a verbal interaction or dialogue, often characterized by a specific tone or purpose.
ExampleAfter a brief exchange of ideas, the team decided on a new plan.
ExampleThe heated exchange between the two politicians was captured by reporters waiting outside the briefing room.
Show 3 more sensesShow fewer
-
3 finance/trading (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Financea place where people trade stocks or foreign money.
a central marketplace or institution where securities, commodities, or currencies are traded.
ExampleHe works as a trader on the London Stock Exchange.
ExampleFluctuations on the foreign exchange market can have immediate and profound effects on the cost of imported raw materials.
- marketplace
- bourses
-
4 to swap (v.) B1 Intermediateto give something to someone and get something else in return.
to give and receive reciprocally; to substitute one thing for another.
ExampleI need to exchange this shirt for a larger size because it is too small.
ExampleThe delegates exchanged business cards before the keynote speech began, hoping to network during the subsequent lunch break.
-
5 to direct at each other (v.) B2 Upper Intermediateto say or do things to each other, like looks or words.
to mutually direct words, looks, or gestures at one another.
ExampleThey exchanged worried looks when they heard the loud noise.
ExampleThe two rivals exchanged sharp remarks during the debate, each attempting to undermine the other's credibility with the audience.
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.
- 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.