adjective

reciprocal

/rɪˈsɪprəkəl/ · say it: rih·SIP·ruh·kuhl

given or done in return; mutual

In Sophisticated Everyday

mutual; given in return

In Formal & Academic

In more detail

1. (adjective) given or done by each person or group to the other in return; mutual

2. (noun) in mathematics, a number that when multiplied by another number gives 1

Examples

1. The two countries have a reciprocal trade agreement where both benefit equally.
2. The reciprocal of 4 is 1/4, because 4 × 1/4 = 1.

How to use reciprocal

As an adjective, reciprocal describes something that flows between two parties in equal measure, emphasizing mutual obligation or exchange. It is more formal than 'mutual' and often appears in legal, diplomatic, or formal business contexts. In mathematics, the reciprocal of a number x is 1/x, a technical term used in calculations and equations.

Common phrases

reciprocal agreement
reciprocal arrangement
reciprocal relationship
reciprocal benefit
reciprocal trade

Synonyms

mutual · two-way · shared · corresponding · interdependent

Opposites

one-sided · unilateral · unidirectional

Word family

reciprocally (adverb) · reciprocity (noun) · reciprocate (verb)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse 'reciprocal' with 'mutual', but reciprocal emphasizes a return or exchange (A helps B, B helps A in return), while mutual simply means shared or felt by both parties.

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