reciprocate

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "reciprocate" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe an action where two people or groups exchange something similar in value or in kind. For example: "The two teams agreed to reciprocate favors in order to build a successful relationship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The one exception was Abbott's remark when he urged Indonesia to "reciprocate" for Australian aid by sparing the lives of Chan and Sukumaran.

The Guardian

Having freed eastern Europe and dissolved the Warsaw Pact, the Soviet leadership trusted that the west would reciprocate by respecting Russian interests, and was repeatedly reassured by western leaders in this respect.

The Guardian

But he gave no indication of loyalist paramilitaries making a similar move, saying he had no evidence that the UVF or Red Hand Commando were ready to reciprocate in kind.

The Guardian

The United States and the EU between them instigated no fewer than 559 such actions between 1995 and 2002.Poor countries are right to demand cuts in rich-country tariffs and the lifting of their quotas, but should they reciprocate?

The Economist

Other countries could reciprocate by refusing to bail out the British arms of their banks.

The Economist

The ants reciprocate by stinging anything from other insects to cattle that dares try to eat the acacia's leaves.

The Economist

If you're visiting at another's invitation, you should let your host pay and offer to reciprocate when they're in your city.

The Economist

Officials hope that the judges will reciprocate by throwing out legal challenges to the economic programme.

The Economist

If they are to keep their privileges beyond 2007, these countries will have to reciprocate, cutting their tariffs on "substantially all" EU imports (which might in practice mean only two-thirds for some countries) over a "reasonable" period (which might be 12 years or more).In this section Dead, or just resting?

The Economist

The convention was initiated by the Americans, who argued that, although their courts generally enforce the rulings of foreign courts, other countries do not always reciprocate.

The Economist

It is odd indeed that one group of Americans can now travel freely to Cuba while the majority cannot.Before doing more Mr Obama wants Cuba to reciprocate by, for example, freeing political prisoners.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reciprocate", ensure the context clearly indicates what action or feeling is being returned or matched. For example, "They offered assistance, and we were happy to reciprocate with our expertise."

Common error

Avoid using "reciprocate" when only one party is acting. "Reciprocate" implies a mutual exchange, not a single action. For example, do not say "He decided to reciprocate by donating", when there was no previous donation from someone else.

Linguistic Context

The verb "reciprocate" primarily functions to describe a mutual or corresponding action or feeling. It indicates a response that is similar in nature or value to a previous action, often implying a sense of balance or exchange. As Ludwig AI explains, it involves an exchange where something similar is given back.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reciprocate" is a verb used to describe a mutual or corresponding action or feeling, suggesting a balanced exchange. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. To use it effectively, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being returned or matched, and avoid using it when only one party is acting. While alternatives like "return the favor" and ""respond in kind"" exist, "reciprocate" offers a more formal and precise way to convey the idea of mutual exchange.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

respond in kind

Highlights the act of reacting to something with a similar action or feeling.

return the favor

Emphasizes the act of repaying a kindness or service received.

requite

A more formal and less common synonym for "reciprocate".

give in return

Focuses on the act of providing something as a response to something received.

pay back

Implies repayment of a debt or obligation.

act in response

Focuses on the reactive nature of the action.

make a return

Suggests a formal or calculated response.

do the same

A more general expression indicating a matching action.

meet halfway

Implies a compromise or mutual concession.

give and take

Highlights the mutual exchange between parties.

FAQs

How can I use "reciprocate" in a sentence?

You can use "reciprocate" to show a mutual exchange or response. For instance, "If they offer help, we should "respond in kind"" or "The two companies "returned the favor" after the initial partnership".

What is a less formal way to say "reciprocate"?

While "reciprocate" is suitable for formal contexts, you can use phrases like "give back", "return the favor", or "do the same" in more informal settings.

What's the difference between "reciprocate" and "retaliate"?

"Reciprocate" implies a positive or neutral response to an action, while "retaliate" suggests a negative or vengeful response. For example, you might "reciprocate" a kindness, but you would "retaliate" against an attack.

Is it correct to use "reciprocate" in a business context?

Yes, "reciprocate" is often used in business contexts to describe mutual actions or agreements. For example, "The companies agreed to "act in response" to each other's marketing efforts".