What does "reciprocal" mean?
The number obtained by dividing 1 by another given number; the result of exchanging the numerator and the denominator of a fraction.
Reciprocal
/ɹɪˈsɪpɹək(ə)l/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The number obtained by dividing 1 by another given number; the result of exchanging the numerator and the denominator of a fraction.
- Grammar: reciprocal is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: multiplicative inverse, algorismic, algorithmic, aliquot.
- Useful contrasts: nonreciprocal, parasitic, unilateral decision making.
- Usage evidence: They should realize that true religious commands lie in the heart of every man in the form of his conscience, and that the most important are reciprocal esteem and a desire to help.
How to use "reciprocal"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "reciprocal" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "reciprocal" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "reciprocal" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "reciprocal" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "reciprocal" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "multiplicative inverse" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "reciprocal", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The number obtained by dividing 1 by another given number; the result of exchanging the numerator and the denominator of a fraction.
"0.5 is the reciprocal of 2."
- 2 hybridization involving a pair of crosses that reverse the sexes associated with each genotype wordnet
- 3 A construction expressing mutual action.
"Depending on where reciprocalization applies (syntax vs. lexicon), the relevant reciprocal verbs are claimed to exhibit specific properties, in particular: (i) syntactic reciprocals are fully productive whereas lexical reciprocals have only limited productivity; […]"
- 4 (mathematics) one of a pair of numbers whose product is 1: the reciprocal of 2/3 is 3/2; the multiplicative inverse of 7 is 1/7 wordnet
- 5 something (a term or expression or concept) that has an inverse relation to something else wordnet
Adjective
- 1 Of a feeling, action or such: mutual, uniformly felt or done by each party towards the other or others; two-way. not-comparable
"reciprocal love"
- 2 Mutually interchangeable. not-comparable
"These two rules will render a definition reciprocal with the thing defined."
- 3 Expressing mutual action, applied to pronouns and verbs; also in a broad sense: reflexive. not-comparable
- 4 Used to denote different kinds of mutual relation; often with reference to the substitution of reciprocals for given quantities. not-comparable
- 5 Done, given, felt, or owed in return. not-comparable
"a reciprocal invitation to lunch"
Adjective
- 1 of or relating to the multiplicative inverse of a quantity or function wordnet
- 2 concerning each of two or more persons or things; especially given or done in return wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"They should realize that true religious commands lie in the heart of every man in the form of his conscience, and that the most important are reciprocal esteem and a desire to help."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "reciprocal"?
Common synonyms include: multiplicative inverse, algorismic, algorithmic, aliquot, ally, alter ego.
How do you use "reciprocal" in a sentence?
They should realize that true religious commands lie in the heart of every man in the form of his conscience, and that the most important are reciprocal esteem and a desire to help.
How do you pronounce "reciprocal"?
Pronounced /ɹɪˈsɪpɹək(ə)l/.
Etymology
From Latin reciprocus, possibly from a phrase such as reque proque (“back and forth, to and fro”), from re- (“back”), prō (“forwards”) and -que (“and”).