exchange

From Middle English 'exchangen', from Old French 'eschanger', from Latin 'exchangere'.

NOUN (1)
[/ɪkˈsʧeɪndʒ/en-US]
intercambio literal / trueque common / canje formal / sustitución formal / concept sentence untranslatable (The term 'exchange' may imply a broader concept in certain contexts which doesn't have a single equivalent in SPANISH.)
Synonyms trade common , swap informal , replacement formal
Antonyms retention

The act of giving something and receiving something else in return, often of a similar kind or value. It can refer to a transaction, a substitution of one item for another, or a reciprocal conversation. It also denotes a place where such transactions regularly occur, like a marketplace or a financial institution.

plural
exchanges
  • They made a fair exchange of goods for services. — They traded items of comparable worth.
  • The stock exchange experienced a busy day with many transactions. — The financial market where securities are bought and sold.
  • There was a brief exchange of ideas during the brainstorming session. — A short conversation or discussion involving the sharing of thoughts.
  • Please keep your receipt in case you need an exchange for a different size. — The act of returning an item and receiving a different one.
VERB (1)
[/ɪkʃˈeɪndʒ/en-US]
intercambiar literal / truequear informal / canjear common / sustituir formal / concept sentence untranslatable (The verb 'exchange' can denote a range of actions which may not translate precisely.)
Synonyms trade common , swap informal , interchange formal
Antonyms keep

To give something to someone and receive something else from them in return. This action can involve trading physical items, swapping positions, or engaging in a mutual sharing of information or communication. It also means to replace one thing with another, such as returning an item to a store for a different one.

irregular note only if irregular
past present_participle
exchanged exchanging
  • They decided to exchange pleasantries before getting down to business. — They said polite greetings to each other.
  • Can I exchange this book for another one? — Can I return this book and get a different one instead?
  • The two companies will exchange personnel for a training program. — The two companies will temporarily swap staff members.
  • He wanted to exchange his old car for a newer model. — He wanted to trade his existing car for a more recent one.