exchange

An act of giving something to someone and getting something else in return.

• We agreed to an exchange of books.
• He offered lunch in exchange for my help.
• The school organizes student exchanges with a school in Spain.

How to use it: in exchange for something (I gave her my bike in exchange for her guitar.); exchange of something (The exchange of gifts made everyone smile.)

Similar words: swap, trade

Common phrases: in exchange, fair exchange, student exchange, exchange of gifts

A conversation in which people speak or write to each other.

• We had a friendly exchange.
• Their exchange of emails cleared up the problem.
• After several heated exchanges, they finally agreed.

How to use it: exchange with someone (I had a brief exchange with the receptionist.); exchange between A and B (The exchange between the two speakers became heated.)

Similar words: conversation, discussion

Common phrases: heated exchange, brief exchange, exchange of words, exchange with someone

The part of a phone number that identifies the local telephone centre serving it.

• The exchange is shown by these digits.
• Both phone numbers have the same exchange.
• Older directories listed the exchange before the remaining digits.

Similar words: exchange code

Common phrases: telephone exchange, local exchange, exchange code

To give something to someone and get something else in return.

• We exchanged gifts at the party.
• Can I exchange these euros for dollars?
• The children exchange toys every week.

How to use it: exchange something for something (Can I exchange this shirt for a larger one?); exchange something with someone (I exchanged books with my cousin.)

Similar words: swap, trade, barter

Common phrases: exchange something for something, exchange gifts, exchange money, exchange something with someone

To send or direct the same kind of thing towards each other.

• They exchanged smiles across the room.
• The soldiers exchanged fire for several minutes.
• We exchanged a few angry words before leaving.

How to use it: exchange something with someone (She exchanged a knowing look with her sister.)

Common phrases: exchange glances, exchange fire, exchange insults, exchange smiles