give-and-take

[ giv-uhn-teyk ]

noun

1. the practice of dealing by compromise or mutual concession; cooperation.
2. good-natured exchange of talk, ideas, etc.

give-and-take

noun

1. mutual concessions, shared benefits, and cooperation
2. a smoothly flowing exchange of ideas and talk

verb

1. to make mutual concessions

Word History and Origins

Origin of give-and-take¹

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

Left behind was a tremendous give-and-take on a tough U.S.

From Seattle Times

In terms of your partnership with Director Park on this project, can you talk about the give-and-take in terms of each of your interpretations of “The Sympathizer”?

From Salon

This give-and-take between his own roles is probably why he has a particular aptitude for writing good dialogue, as his former mentor and teacher Beau O’Reilly says.

From Seattle Times

Eleven of the Democrats have raised at least $100,000, and the campaign’s sharp give-and-take in the days before the May 14 primary suggests there is no clear favorite.

From Seattle Times

In that period, Alaska’s board adopted what is described in the proxy filing as “a give-and-take approach.”

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• banter
• reciprocity