reciprocal

/ri'siprəkəl/

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The word "reciprocal" is an adjective that describes a relationship where two or more things give and receive in return. It can also be a noun in some contexts. Let’s break it down:

Basic Definition:

1. As an Adjective: "Reciprocal" refers to something that is mutual or given in return. For example, if two friends help each other, they have a reciprocal relationship.

2. As a Noun: In mathematics, a reciprocal is one of a pair of numbers that, when multiplied together, equal 1. For instance, the reciprocal of 2 is 1/2 because 2 multiplied by 1/2 equals 1.

Usage Instructions:

• You can use "reciprocal" when discussing relationships, agreements, or exchanges where both parties give something to each other.
• In mathematics, use it when calculating or discussing inverse relationships.

Examples:

• Adjective: "They have a reciprocal agreement to support each other's projects."
• Noun: "In math class, we learned that the reciprocal of 4 is 1/4."

Advanced Usage:

• In more complex contexts, "reciprocal" can be used in discussions about international relations, trade agreements, or in scientific contexts, such as genetics, where reciprocal hybridization involves crossing two organisms in different ways.

Word Variants:

• Reciprocity (noun): The concept of mutual exchange. Example: "There is a sense of reciprocity in their friendship."
• Reciprocate (verb): To respond to a gesture or action by making a corresponding one. Example: "She decided to reciprocate his kindness by helping him with his homework."

Different Meanings:

• In mathematics, as mentioned earlier, it refers to the multiplicative inverse. For example, if you have the number 5, its reciprocal is 1/5.
• In broader contexts, it can also refer to anything that has a mutual relationship, such as risks and safety, where one influences the other.

Synonyms:

• Mutual
• Corresponding
• Interchangeable
• Complementary

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While "reciprocal" does not have specific idioms or phrasal verbs associated with it, the idea of mutual exchange can be expressed in phrases like: - "Give and take": This means both parties contribute to a situation or relationship. - "Tit for tat": This phrase refers to a situation where a person retaliates in kind, often used in a negative context.

Summary:

The word "reciprocal" describes mutual relationships and exchanges, both in personal contexts and mathematical calculations.

Academic

Adjective

1. of or relating to the multiplicative inverse of a quantity or function
   • the reciprocal ratio of a:b is b:a
2. concerning each of two or more persons or things; especially given or done in return
   • reciprocal aid
   • reciprocal trade
   • mutual respect
   • reciprocal privileges at other clubs

Noun

1. hybridization involving a pair of crosses that reverse the sexes associated with each genotype
2. (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
3. something (a term or expression or concept) that has a reciprocal relation to something else
   • risk is the reciprocal of safety

Synonyms

• mutual
• reciprocal cross
• multiplicative inverse