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

Idioms and Phrases

The practice of compromise, as in Every contract involves some give and take . This expression was first recorded in 1778, although the verbal idiom, to give and take , was used from the early 1500s.

Lively exchange of ideas or conversation, as in The legislature is famous for raucous give and take . [Second half of 1800s]

Example Sentences

Soon, talking to an actual human being—a person who deserved courtesy, empathy and genuine give-and-take—felt like squeezing into too-tight jeans after a month of living in sweatpants.

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Whatever the reason, it’s a shame that one of the couple’s final collaborative works — a very sweet and realistic tale of give-and-take — is all but missing from the documentary about their relationship.

Read more on Salon

While Kirk, who was 31, relished the give-and-take of debates — including by taking on views different from his own — his own polarizing statements have long attracted sharp criticism.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It’s this beautiful give-and-take of a group of friends because life just doesn’t stop life-ing.

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Even though his Democratic Party had a majority in Congress throughout his presidency, he was impatient with the legislative give-and-take and struggled to mobilize party leaders behind his policy initiatives.

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Related Words

• banter 
• reciprocity