give-and-take
/ˌɡɪv ən ˈteɪk/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌɡɪv ən ˈteɪk/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌgiv-ən-ˈtāk/ (ame, mw)
give-and-take — noun
1. a situation in a relationship, discussion, or negotiation where each person or g
a situation in a relationship, discussion, or negotiation where each person or group agrees to give up part of what they want so that everyone can reach a satisfactory result together
Leila and her sister learned that sharing a room required give-and-take about music and bedtime.
collocation: give-and-take about [topic]
Theo and his partner reached an agreement after weeks of give-and-take over contract terms.
collocation: give-and-take over [topic]
Fatima and Dmitri planned their wedding with plenty of give-and-take between both families.
The county board's final budget was the result of long give-and-take among the members.
Sofia believes that successful teamwork depends on honest give-and-take between colleagues.
- compromise
more specific — compromise is the result of give-and-take; give-and-take is the process that leads to it
- negotiation
more formal and structured; negotiation often involves official discussions, while give-and-take can happen informally
- bargaining
suggests trading specific items or concessions; give-and-take is broader and less transactional
- intransigence
refusal to compromise or make any concessions
- one-sidedness
a situation where only one person gives up something
文法句型
give-and-take + between/among [people or groups]
give-and-take + about/over [topic]
用法筆記
Always used as a singular uncountable noun. The word implies a two-way process — it describes what happens between people or groups, not what one person does alone.
常見錯誤
2. a friendly back-and-forth conversation in which people share their thoughts, opi
a friendly back-and-forth conversation in which people share their thoughts, opinions, or information with one another in an open way
Ravi enjoys the lively give-and-take of opinions at the weekly philosophy club meetings.
adjective + give-and-take: lively give-and-take
The classroom discussion became a productive give-and-take between students and the guest speaker.
collocation: productive give-and-take between
Yusuf values open give-and-take during staff meetings because it brings out the best ideas.
The radio debate was a spirited give-and-take between the host and callers on health policy.
Oluwaseun thinks the best decisions come from honest give-and-take among team members.
- exchange
more general and neutral; give-and-take adds a sense of friendliness and informality
- dialogue
suggests a more purposeful or structured conversation; give-and-take can be looser and more spontaneous
- back-and-forth
very similar in meaning but slightly more informal; give-and-take implies a cooperative tone
文法句型
[adjective] + give-and-take
give-and-take + of [ideas/opinions/comments]
give-and-take + between/among [people or groups]
用法筆記
Unlike sense 1 (MUTUAL COMPROMISE), which focuses on concession and reaching agreement, this sense describes a conversational exchange where the main purpose is sharing ideas rather than settling differences. The word remains uncountable.