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View synonyms for reciprocal

reciprocal

[ ri-sip-ruh-kuhl ]

adjective

  1. given or felt by each toward the other; mutual:

    reciprocal respect.

  2. given, performed, felt, etc., in return:

    reciprocal aid.

  3. reciprocal privileges at other health clubs.

  4. Grammar. (of a pronoun or verb) expressing mutual relationship or action:

    “Each other” and “one another” are reciprocal pronouns.

  5. inversely corresponding; opposing:

    reciprocal muscles in your back.

  6. Mathematics. noting expressions, relations, etc., involving reciprocals:

    a reciprocal function.

  7. Navigation. bearing in a direction 180° to a given direction; back.


noun

  1. something that is reciprocal to something else:

    Faith and fear are reciprocals.

  2. Also called multiplicative inverse. Mathematics. the ratio of unity to a given quantity or expression; that by which the given quantity or expression is multiplied to produce unity:

    The reciprocal of x is 1/x.

reciprocal

/ rɪˈsɪprəkəl /

adjective

  1. of, relating to, or designating something given by each of two people, countries, etc, to the other; mutual

    reciprocal trade

    reciprocal friendship

  2. given or done in return

    a reciprocal favour

  3. (of a pronoun) indicating that action is given and received by each subject; for example, each other in the sentence they started to shout at each other
  4. maths of or relating to a number or quantity divided into one
  5. nautical denoting a course or bearing that is 180° from the previous or assumed one


noun

  1. something that is reciprocal
  2. Also calledinverse maths a number or quantity that when multiplied by a given number or quantity gives a product of one

    the reciprocal of 2 is 0.5

reciprocal

/ rĭ-sĭprə-kəl /

  1. Either of a pair of numbers whose product is 1. For example, the number 3 is the reciprocal of 1 3 .


reciprocal

  1. The number by which a given number must be multiplied to get a result of one. The reciprocal of one-half, for example, is two.


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Derived Forms

  • reˌciproˈcality, noun
  • reˈciprocally, adverb

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Other Words From

  • re·cip·ro·cal·i·ty [ri-sip-r, uh, -, kal, -i-tee], re·cip·ro·cal·ness noun
  • re·cip·ro·cal·ly adverb
  • non·re·cip·ro·cal adjective noun
  • un·re·cip·ro·cal adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of reciprocal1

First recorded in 1560–70; from Latin reciproc(us) “returning, reciprocal” + -al 1

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Word History and Origins

Origin of reciprocal1

C16: from Latin reciprocus alternating

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Synonym Study

See mutual.

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Example Sentences

His visit also included a reciprocal invitation that the pope plans to follow up on in late May.

Sometimes I do a little, sometimes I do a lot, but always reciprocal and respectful.

One reason for cheer is that the interim agreement has brought together the hard-liners, theirs and ours, in reciprocal dismay.

The safety net is rooted in human instincts about reciprocal exchange.

And stop hugging Israel closer without looking for reciprocal moves.

The reciprocal tie in former times between servant and master was strong, now it is wholly gone.

In his simple creed if a girl accepted a man and let him kiss her and wore his ring it was a reciprocal love affair.

A remarkable identity of ideas and tastes, a ready and mutual sympathy, a reciprocal respect, soon made them friends.

Fig. 69 b is the polygon of external forces, and 69 c is half the reciprocal figure.

When a reciprocal love shall inflame my veins, then my lips will grow purple, and my kisses will be of fire!

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recipientreciprocal exchange