reciprocate
UK[rɪˈsɪprəkeɪt]US[rɪˈsɪprəkeɪt]
v
to behave or feel towards someone in the same way as they behave or feel towards you
v
to give something in return for something done or given
Morpheme Breakdown
re
ciproc
ate
re
again, back
ciproc
alternating
ate
verb suffix
Etymology
the word 'reciprocate' originates from the latin verb 'reciprocare', meaning "to move back and forth". this verb itself is derived from the adjective 'reciprocus', which combines the sense of moving 'back' (re-) and 'forward' (from a root related to 'pro-', implied in the '-ciproc' element). the core concept is one of alternating motion or action. over time, this literal sense of physical back-and-forth movement evolved metaphorically to describe the social and emotional exchange of feelings, favors, or actions, where one party responds in kind to another, completing a cycle of mutual exchange.
Analysis
Structure: re (again, back) + ciproc (alternating) + ate (verb suffix)
re: latin origin, a prefix meaning "again, back".
ciproc: derived from latin 'reciprocus', meaning "alternating, moving back and forth".
ate: latin suffix '-atus', used to form verbs meaning "to act in a specified manner".
Examples
she helped me when i was in need, and i hope to reciprocate her kindness someday.
he offered me a drink, and i felt i should reciprocate by buying the next round.
if they show us hostility, we may be forced to reciprocate.