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reciprocal
[ ri-sip-ruh-kuhl ]
adjective
- given or felt by each toward the other; mutual:
reciprocal respect.
- given, performed, felt, etc., in return:
reciprocal aid.
- matching; corresponding; equivalent:
reciprocal privileges at other health clubs.
- Grammar. (of a pronoun or verb) expressing mutual relationship or action:
“Each other” and “one another” are reciprocal pronouns.
- inversely corresponding; opposing:
reciprocal muscles in your back.
- Mathematics. noting expressions, relations, etc., involving reciprocals:
a reciprocal function.
- Navigation. bearing in a direction 180° to a given direction; back.
noun
- something that is reciprocal to something else:
Faith and fear are reciprocals.
- 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
- of, relating to, or designating something given by each of two people, countries, etc, to the other; mutual
reciprocal trade
reciprocal friendship
- given or done in return
a reciprocal favour
- (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
- maths of or relating to a number or quantity divided into one
- nautical denoting a course or bearing that is 180° from the previous or assumed one
noun
- something that is reciprocal
- 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-sĭp′rə-kəl /
- Either of a pair of numbers whose product is 1. For example, the number 3 is the reciprocal of 1 3 .
reciprocal
- 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
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Word History and Origins
Origin of reciprocal1
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Synonym Study
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Example Sentences
The parameter H is a measure of how much they disperse while still remaining in minimal contact, while its reciprocal, interiority, is a measure of how much they huddle.
The relationship between hunter and prey can represent a reciprocal bond, infused with psychological meaning and spiritual weight.
So all you had to do was find the probability of having a perfect game of War, and then compute the reciprocal of that number.
The topics of these texts ranged from food, to movies, to books, to family, and all were conversational and positive, were reciprocal, and were, I believed, mutual.
Beijing could retaliate by imposing reciprocal sanctions on Apple.
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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Related Words
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More About Reciprocal
What does reciprocal mean?
Reciprocal is an adjective used to describe things that involve an action done in response to another action in a way that is equivalent to it.
To perform such an action is to reciprocate, and the act of doing so is called reciprocation. For example, when someone does you a favor, you can reciprocate by doing something nice for them.
The word reciprocal is typically used to describe actions, relationships, or other things that involve such actions. Synonyms include mutual, equivalent, corresponding, matching, and complementary.
Reciprocal can also be used as a noun. It can be used in a general way to mean something that is equivalent to something else—similar to the term counterpart.
In mathematics, it’s used as a noun in a more specific way to refer to the number by which another number must be multiplied to get a result of one. For example, the reciprocal of ½ is 2 (which, in the form of a fraction, is 2/1). In math, a reciprocal is also called an inverse.
Relatedly, reciprocal can also be used as an adjective to mean opposite or inversely related (which is just about the opposite of what reciprocal is generally used to mean).
Example: The two museums offer a reciprocal membership, which means it gives you visiting privileges at both.
Where does reciprocal come from?
The first records of the word reciprocal come from the 1500s. It comes from the Latin reciproc(us), meaning “returning” or “alternating.”
Reciprocal actions are often those that return the favor. Reciprocal relationships are based on alternating actions or a mutual exchange of something. In personal relationships, this often involves kind gestures and displays of emotion that are done in response to similar actions. Reciprocal relationships between countries involve reciprocity—a state or relation based on mutual policies or aid. Two countries that engage in reciprocity may extend certain advantages or privileges to each other’s citizens, or may require certain obligations required by the other country.
Did you know ... ?
What are some other forms related to reciprocal?
- reciprocally (adverb)
- reciprocality (noun)
What are some synonyms for reciprocal?
What are some words that share a root or word element with reciprocal?
What are some words that often get used in discussing reciprocal?
How is reciprocal used in real life?
Reciprocal is a somewhat formal word, but it’s used in all kinds of contexts.
Mins @em_saeed signing the agreement between the Gov of Maldives & the Gov of UAE on the Promotion & Reciprocal Protection of Investments. pic.twitter.com/OtXZIXbX8i
— Economy & Trade (@MoEDmv) October 17, 2017
"Talk of rewilding and corridors for insects is all well and good, but what we do with our farmland is more important" A letter to the editor of @guardian pointing out the reciprocal & interdependent relationship of conservation, climate action & farming: https://t.co/YDLvUlPEQ0
— Canadian Organic Growers (@CanadianOrganic) July 24, 2020
China ordered the US to close consulate in Chengdu. As far as I know, based on reciprocal principle, Chinese side also gave the consulate 72 hours to close. Chinese side notified the US side Friday morning Beijing time. It means US Chengdu consulate will be closed Monday morning.
— Hu Xijin 胡锡进 (@HuXijin_GT) July 24, 2020
Try using reciprocal!
Which of the following actions would NOT be described as reciprocal?
A. responding to someone’s message
B. giving someone a gift after receiving one from them
C. ignoring someone who has tried to contact you
D. returning a favor
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