# reciprocal

/ɹɪˈsɪpɹəkəɫ/ (US) · /ɹɪsˈɪpɹəkəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/reciprocal
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. mutual or two-way

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

describes a feeling or action that is shared by two people or groups; if you do something for someone, they do the same for you.

For teachers: describing a relationship, feeling, or action that is mutual and experienced or performed by each party toward the other.

- The two countries signed a reciprocal trade agreement to help both their economies.
- Although they were competitors, there was a reciprocal respect between the two scientists that allowed for productive collaboration.

### 2. grammar

adjective · CEFR C2 · Technical

describes words like 'each other' that show two people are doing the same thing to one another.

For teachers: denoting a pronoun or verb that expresses a mutual action or relationship between the subject and the object.

- In the sentence 'They helped each other,' the phrase 'each other' is a reciprocal pronoun.
- The linguist noted that the language lacks a distinct reciprocal verb form, relying instead on reflexive markers to convey mutual action.

### 3. mathematics

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the number you get when you divide 1 by another number.

For teachers: the mathematical value obtained by dividing one by a given quantity, or by inverting a fraction.

- The reciprocal of 2 is 0.5, and the reciprocal of 5 is 1/5.
- To divide by a fraction, the student must first determine its reciprocal and then perform a multiplication.

## Examples

- The two countries signed a reciprocal trade agreement.
- Healthy friendships are usually reciprocal, with both people offering support and listening to each other's problems.
- The treaty established a reciprocal arrangement whereby citizens of either nation could seek employment in the other without the usual bureaucratic hurdles of a standard work visa.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.