give-and-take
|give-and-take|
/ˌɡɪv ən ˈteɪk/
mutual exchange / compromise
Etymology
'give-and-take' originates in English as a compound of the verbs 'give' and 'take', where 'give' comes from Old English 'giefan' meaning 'to bestow' and 'take' comes from Old Norse 'taka' meaning 'to grasp'.
'give-and-take' developed from the verbal phrase 'to give and to take' and by early modern English was used figuratively; the verbal sequence was condensed into the fixed compound noun and adjective 'give-and-take'.
Initially, the words referred to literal giving and taking (exchange of goods or actions); over time the compound came to be used figuratively for mutual concession and reciprocal exchange of ideas.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
mutual concessions or compromises between people or groups; reciprocal yielding in negotiation or relationship.
Successful negotiations require some give-and-take.
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Noun 2
a lively exchange of ideas, arguments, or remarks; back-and-forth discussion.
There was plenty of give-and-take during the panel discussion.
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Adjective 1
characterized by mutual concession or lively exchange (used attributively, e.g., a give-and-take conversation).
They had a give-and-take discussion about the plan.
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Last updated: 2025/12/28 07:13