adj
Uncommon
reciprocal
rih-SIHP-ruhkl
Reciprocal (adj) means Given or felt equally by both sides; mutual, done in return. Example: “Their friendship was built on reciprocal trust and respect.”
adj
1
Given or felt equally by both sides; mutual, done in return.
"Their friendship was built on reciprocal trust and respect."
"The two countries signed a reciprocal trade agreement."
noun
1
In mathematics, the number you get by dividing 1 by a given number (so the reciprocal of 4 is 1/4).
"To find the reciprocal of a fraction, just flip it upside down."
How to use reciprocal
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething that goes both ways between two people or things, or, in math, the "flipped" version of a number.
Common pairings
reciprocal agreement
reciprocal relationship
reciprocal arrangement
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Word forms
- Plural
- reciprocals
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Their friendship was built on _____ trust and respect.
Etymology
From Latin reciprocus, "moving back and forth," likely built from re- ("back") and pro- ("forward") joined with -que ("and") — the idea of something going both ways.
Synonyms
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mutual
two-way
contrary
opposite
converse
inverse
inverted
cross
reflexive
commutual
correlative
corresponding
Antonyms
nonreciprocal
Related words
Rhymes for reciprocal
See all rhymes for reciprocal →Frequently asked questions
What does “reciprocal” mean?
The word “reciprocal” means given or felt equally by both sides; mutual, done in return. In plain terms, something that goes both ways between two people or things, or, in math, the "flipped" version of a number.
How do you pronounce “reciprocal”?
“Reciprocal” is pronounced rih-SIHP-ruhkl (/ɹɪˈsɪpɹək(ə)l/ in IPA).
How do you use “reciprocal” in a sentence?
Here is “reciprocal” used in a sentence: “Their friendship was built on reciprocal trust and respect.”
What is another word for “reciprocal”?
Words with a similar meaning to “reciprocal” include mutual, two-way, contrary, opposite, converse and inverse.
What part of speech is “reciprocal”?
Depending on how it is used, “reciprocal” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “reciprocal” come from?
The word “reciprocal” comes from Latin. From Latin reciprocus, "moving back and forth," likely built from re- ("back") and pro- ("forward") joined with -que ("and") — the idea of something going both ways.
Is “reciprocal” a common word?
“Reciprocal” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “reciprocal” have?
“Reciprocal” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: given or felt equally by both sides; mutual, done in return.
