I can't get the meaning of the example of reciprocate

[sky753]

Hello Everyone,

The example "When he spoke I was expected to reciprocate with some remark of my own." is given to define 'reciprocate'. I still can't guess its meaning. Can you give me its possible context?


Regards

Sky

[susiedqq]

Try this sample:

After he invites me to his home for dinner, I am expected to reciprocate.

(It means to return the favor or gesture. So you will invite him to your home for dinner in the near future)

[sky753]

Originally Posted by susiedqq

Try this sample:

After he invites me to his home for dinner, I am expected to reciprocate.

(It means to return the favor or gesture. So you will invite him to your home for dinner in the near future)

This example is easy to understand. I am confused about the example posted by me! Could you explain? and Give me some context?

Many thanks

[Anglika]

When he spoke I was expected to reciprocate with some remark of my own.

I am expected to reply to him - "reciprocate" rather implies that "he" is giving some kind of speech or or making some kind of statement, and you are required to respond to it with your own view of the matter.

[susiedqq]

When he spoke I was expected to reciprocate with some remark of my own.

But "respond" would make more sense in a verbal exchange.

When he spoke, I was expected to respond with some remark of my own.

[sky753]

Originally Posted by Anglika

When he spoke I was expected to reciprocate with some remark of my own.

I am expected to reply to him - "reciprocate" rather implies that "he" is giving some kind of speech or or making some kind of statement, and you are required to respond to it with your own view of the matter.

Sorry, I am puzzled by your reply!

[sky753]

Originally Posted by susiedqq

When he spoke I was expected to reciprocate with some remark of my own.

But "respond" would make more sense in a verbal exchange.

When he spoke, I was expected to respond with some remark of my own.

Can you give a context of the sentence?

[Anglika]

Originally Posted by sky753

Sorry, I am puzzled by your reply!

Someone has made a speech thanking you for all your hard work.
You are expected to reciprocate to him - you will have to make a speech thanking him for thanking you. You are returning the compliment of thanks.