Definition

1. Verb (Transitive):

   • To give or feel something in return for something received; to respond to an action, gesture, or feeling with a corresponding one.
   • To cause a part of a machine to move back and forth.

2. Verb (Intransitive):

   • To make a return for something; to engage in mutual interchange.
   • To move back and forth alternately.

Examples of Usage

• Verb (Transitive):
  • She helped me, and I hope to reciprocate her kindness someday.
  • The piston is designed to reciprocate within the cylinder.
• Verb (Intransitive):
  • We always invite the neighbors and they never reciprocate!
  • In a healthy friendship, both parties reciprocate.

Advanced Usage

• "to reciprocate a favor": to return a helpful or kind act.
  • He offered to drive me home, so I wanted to reciprocate the favor by cooking him dinner.
• "to reciprocate feelings": to return the same emotional sentiment (e.g., love, affection).
  • Sadly, she did not reciprocate his feelings of love.

Variants and Related Words

• Reciprocation (n): The act of reciprocating; mutual exchange.
  • Their relationship is based on the reciprocation of trust.
• Reciprocal (adj): Given, felt, or done in return; mutual.
  • They have a reciprocal agreement to support each other.
• Reciprocally (adv): In a reciprocal manner; mutually.
  • The two theories are reciprocally dependent.

Synonyms

• Return: to give, send, or do something in response.
• Repay: to pay back or return, especially a favor or kindness.
• Requite: to make return for something; to repay.
• Exchange: to give and receive mutually.

Related Phrases

• Reciprocate in kind: to respond with an action of the same type.
  • If they offer an apology, you should reciprocate in kind.
• Fail to reciprocate: to not return a gesture or feeling.
  • He felt hurt when his generosity was failed to be reciprocated.

Idioms

• What goes around comes around: This idiom implies a concept similar to reciprocation, suggesting that your actions, good or bad, will eventually be returned to you.
  • He believes in reciprocating good deeds because he knows what goes around comes around.

Verb

1. alternate the direction of motion of
   • the engine reciprocates the propeller
2. act, feel, or give mutually or in return
   • We always invite the neighbors and they never reciprocate!