Reciprocal
/rɪˈsɪprəkəl/
adjectivenounB2
Definition
Reciprocal describes an action, feeling, or relationship where two people or things give back to each other equally. It means "mutual" or "shared." For example, if you help someone, and they help you back, that is a reciprocal action. As a noun in math, the reciprocal of a number is one divided by that number (for example, the reciprocal of 2 is 1/2).
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See It in Action
Adjective: Mutual or shared equally between two people or things
- •They have a reciprocal respect for each other.
- •The countries signed a reciprocal trade agreement.
- •Friendship is often built on reciprocal trust.
Noun (math): The number you multiply by to get 1 (1 divided by the original number)
- •The reciprocal of 5 is 1/5.
- •To divide fractions, multiply by the reciprocal of the second fraction.
- •Find the reciprocal of 3 to solve the problem.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "reciprocal" like "give and take" (A1 phrase), but more formal and equal—both sides share or return something
- ✓Picture two friends throwing a ball back and forth evenly, each giving the ball to the other
- ✓It's the feeling when you smile and someone smiles back at you—a mutual friendly action
- ✓Sounds like "re-SIP-ro-cal" → imagine sipping (drinking) tea together, taking turns equally
- ✓Imagine a dance where each partner copies the other's moves perfectly, showing balance and sharing
- ✓NOT like "one-way" (only one side gives), reciprocal means both sides give or respond
- ✓NOT like "help" alone (which can be one-sided), reciprocal help means both people help each other
- ✓In math, NOT like a number itself, reciprocal is the "flipped" number (1 divided by the original)
- ✓NOT like "exchange" (which can be unequal), reciprocal means the exchange is fair and equal
Try Other Words
- •Mutual: shared by two or more people equally (Use when talking about feelings or relationships)
- •Shared: something used or done together (Use when focus is on common use or participation)
- •Exchange: giving something and receiving something in return (Use when focus is on trading, but not always equal)
- •Corresponding: matching or related in a similar way (Use when referring to things that relate to each other)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "re-" (back, again) + "ciprocal" from Latin "reciprocus" meaning "returning the same way"
- •Etymology: From Latin "reciprocus," meaning alternating or moving back and forth
- •Historical development: Used since the 1600s to describe mutual actions or relationships; adopted in math for the idea of "inverse" or "flipped" number
- •Modern usage: Used in everyday language for mutual relationships and formally in math for the inverse of a number
- •Key insight: The word always involves a sense of "giving back" or "returning equally"
Reflect & Connect
•How can understanding reciprocal relationships help you build better friendships or work with others?
•Can you think of situations where a reciprocal action might not be equal? How would that change the meaning?
Fill in the blanks
1.When two people have a reciprocal relationship, they ___ help and support each other equally.
2.A reciprocal action means that if you do something for someone, they will ___ do something for you.
3.Unlike a one-way gift, a reciprocal gift is given with the hope of ___.
4.In math, the reciprocal of 4 is ___ because multiplying them gives 1.
5.The two countries signed a reciprocal agreement to ___ trade benefits.
6.When trust is reciprocal, both people feel ___ and confident in each other.
7.If an action is not reciprocal, it might feel like one person is giving ___ while the other only takes.