reciprocal

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.

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.

What are some other forms related to reciprocal? 

• reciprocally (adverb)
• reciprocality (noun)

What are some synonyms for reciprocal?

• mutual
• equivalent
• matching
• corresponding
• complementary
• inverse
• opposite

What are some words that share a root or word element with reciprocal? 

• reciprocate
• reciprocation
• reciprocity

What are some words that often get used in discussing reciprocal?

• action
• return
• exchange
• compensate
• favor
• gift

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

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