# reciprocate

/ɹɪˈsɪpɹəˌkeɪt/ (US) · /ɹɪsˈɪpɹəkˌeɪt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/reciprocate
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 2. to exchange things

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to give and receive something at the same time between two people or groups.

For teachers: to give and take mutually; to engage in an exchange of physical goods or formal privileges.

- The two countries agreed to reciprocate by lowering taxes on each other's goods.
- The university agreed to reciprocate the arrangement, allowing visiting students to access the same research facilities as local candidates.

### 3. moving back and forth

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical

to move backwards and forwards in a straight line, like a part in an engine.

For teachers: to move backward and forward alternately. Typically used in mechanical contexts to describe the motion of a piston or saw blade.

- The needle on the sewing machine reciprocates quickly to join the fabric together.
- The internal combustion engine relies on a piston that reciprocates within a cylinder to convert pressure into rotating motion.

Usage: The verb is often used as a participle (reciprocating) to describe a type of engine or tool.

## Examples

- I will reciprocate your kindness by helping you tomorrow.
- After the host invited her for dinner, she felt she should reciprocate by hosting a small gathering in return.
- In many traditional societies, the failure to reciprocate a gift or a favor is viewed as a serious social slight, potentially damaging the trust between two families.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.