reciprocal
UK[rɪˈsɪprək(ə)l]US[rɪˈsɪprək(ə)l]
adj
Given, felt, or done in return.
adj
(of an agreement or arrangement) involving two parties who agree to do the same thing for or to each other.
adj
(mathematics) (of a quantity or function) related to another so that their product is one.
Morpheme Breakdown
re
ciproc
al
re
back, again
ciproc
take, receive
al
adjective suffix
Etymology
The word "reciprocal" originates from the Latin reciprocus, meaning "returning the same way" or "alternating". This Latin term is thought to be a fusion of re- ("back") and pro- ("forward"), conceptually capturing a back-and-forth movement. Over time, this literal sense of alternating motion evolved into the abstract idea of mutual exchange or equivalence between two parties. The suffix "-al" was added to form the adjective, solidifying its modern meaning of something given, performed, or felt equally by both sides.
Analysis
Structure: re (back, again) + ciproc (take, receive) + al (adjective suffix)
- re: Latin prefix meaning "back" or "again".
- ciproc: From Latin reciprocus, likely from re- + pro- (forward), suggesting a back-and-forth motion.
- al: Latin-derived suffix forming adjectives meaning "of, relating to, or characterized by".
Examples
Their relationship was based on reciprocal trust and support.
The two countries signed a reciprocal agreement to reduce tariffs.
The reciprocal of 5 is 1/5.