Meaning
Reciprocate means to respond to an action, feeling, or gesture by doing the same or giving something similar in return. It carries the sense of mutual exchange.
Grammar and Usage
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Part of speech: Verb
-
Transitive/Intransitive: Can be both
- Transitive: to give or feel in return.
- Intransitive: to make a corresponding or equivalent response.
Common patterns:
- reciprocate sth
- reciprocate with sth
- reciprocate by doing sth
Example structures:
- She reciprocated his kindness with a warm smile.
- He never reciprocates when others help him.
Common Phrases
- reciprocate feelings
- reciprocate love
- reciprocate kindness
- reciprocate by doing sth
Collocations
- Verb + reciprocate: fail to reciprocate, refuse to reciprocate, gladly reciprocate
- Noun + reciprocate: gesture, invitation, affection, favor, effort
- Reciprocate + noun: kindness, affection, love, hospitality
Examples
- She smiled warmly, and he reciprocated with a nod.
- He never reciprocated her feelings, which left her heartbroken.
- They reciprocated the invitation by hosting a dinner the following week.
- I appreciate your help and will gladly reciprocate when you need it.
- The teacher’s enthusiasm was reciprocated by the students’ eagerness to learn.
- If you show respect, most people will reciprocate it.
- She reciprocated his love with deep affection.
- He didn’t reciprocate my effort, so I stopped helping him.
Synonyms or Related
- Return
- Respond
- Requite
- Repay
- Exchange
- Give back
- Acknowledge