WordGarden.ioreciprocal
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /rɪsˈɪprəkəl/
US
- /rɪˈsɪprəkəl/
Meanings
Adjective
given, felt, or done in return; mutual
in grammar, expressing mutual action or relation between participants
in mathematics, standing in an inverse relation of one over another
Noun
a number, quantity, or function that is the multiplicative inverse of another
Beyond the definition
Imagine you help a friend move, and they promise to help you when you need it - that's reciprocal! It describes something that happens both ways, like an exchange. It could be a friendly wave back after you wave at someone, or feeling the same affection for someone that they feel for you. These actions feel balanced: what one person does is met with a similar response from another. Think of it like a two-way street - traffic flows in both directions!
The word "reciprocal" describes a relationship, action, or feeling that's shared between two or more parties. It implies a mutual exchange, with something given and received in return. It's not just about things being similar; it's about an active back-and-forth. Think of a handshake: the pressure you apply is met with equal pressure from the other person. That's reciprocal!
You might say, "Their friendship was built on reciprocal trust," meaning both friends trusted each other equally. Or perhaps, "The two countries signed a reciprocal trade agreement," indicating they agreed to exchange goods and services fairly. It can also describe feelings: "She hoped her love would be met with reciprocal affection."
Interestingly, the idea also appears in mathematics. In math, a reciprocal is the number you multiply by another number to get 1. For example, the reciprocal of 5 is 1/5, and the reciprocal of 2/3 is 3/2. When you multiply a number by its reciprocal, the answer is 1 - another example of balance.
So, whether you're describing relationships, agreements, or even numbers, "reciprocal" highlights the idea of mutual action and equal return - a beautiful balance in many contexts.
Examples
- 1
Professional respect
There was reciprocal respect between the two teachers.
- 2
Friendship
In a healthy friendship, support should be reciprocal.
- 3
University exchange
Our university has a reciprocal exchange agreement with a college in Canada.
- 4
Visa rules
The two countries introduced reciprocal visa requirements after the dispute.
- Domainreciprocal visa requirements
each country requires the same from the other's visitors
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Math
In math, the reciprocal of 8 is one eighth.
- Domain
in math, the reciprocal of a number is 1 divided by that number
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- reciprocated
- give-and-take
Contrast
- one-sided
- unilateral
Used with (collocations)
- reciprocal relationship
- reciprocal agreement
- reciprocal respect
Word family
Explore
- exchange
- mutual obligation
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- reciprocalnounadjective
Forms
- reciprocalspluralnounadjective