Exchange
/ɪksˈtʃeɪndʒ/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo give something and receive something else in its place.
/ɪksˈtʃeɪndʒ/
To give something and receive something else in return.
I exchanged emails with the customer.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trading your toys with a friend – that's an exchange! You give them one thing, and they give you something back.
👶 For kids: When you give something and get something different in return.
More Examples
They exchanged vows at their wedding.
The two countries exchanged ambassadors.
How It's Used
"The companies exchanged contracts."
"They exchanged gifts at the party."
The act of giving one thing and receiving another.
/ɪksˈtʃeɪndʒ/
The act of giving something and receiving something else in return.
The exchange of gifts was a highlight of the event.
💡 Simply: Think of it like a swap meet. It's when you trade one thing for another – like money for goods, or ideas for ideas.
👶 For kids: When you give something and get something back.
More Examples
The stock exchange is a place to buy and sell shares.
There was a lively exchange of views during the debate.
How It's Used
"The stock exchange fluctuated wildly today."
"A friendly exchange of ideas followed the presentation."
An organized market where stocks, currencies, or other financial instruments are traded.
/ɪksˈtʃeɪndʒ/
A place or institution where financial transactions take place.
He works on the foreign exchange market.
💡 Simply: Think of it like a special store, but instead of toys, you're buying and selling stocks or money. It's where the big money moves happen!
👶 For kids: A place where you can buy and sell money or special papers about companies.
More Examples
The company's shares are listed on the NASDAQ exchange.
The exchange rate between the two currencies is volatile.
How It's Used
"The New York Stock Exchange is a major global market."
Idioms & expressions
an exchange of fire
An instance of shooting between opposing sides.
"The soldiers were involved in an exchange of fire."
foreign exchange
The trading of currencies.
"I need to go to a foreign exchange to get some euros before my trip."
From Middle English *eschaungen*, from Old French *eschangier* ('to exchange'), from Vulgar Latin *excambiare*, from Latin *ex* ('out') + *cambiare* ('to change').
The word 'exchange' has been used in a commercial and social context since the Middle Ages, with references found in legal documents and trade records.
Memory tip
Think of changing your old clothes for new ones at a store.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: ex- (out) + cambiare (to change)