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

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

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 notes

In 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

Word forms

reciprocals plural

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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.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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mutual two-way contrary opposite converse inverse inverted cross reflexive commutual correlative corresponding

Related words

like same talk across similar pass speak cross

Rhymes for reciprocal

vocal local focal equivocal unequivocal

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.

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