Basic Details
Word: Reciprocal
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Given or done in return, so that both sides do the same thing for each other. In maths, the reciprocal of a number is 1 divided by that number.
Synonyms: mutual, shared, returned
Antonyms: one-sided, unilateral
Word origin: From Latin reciprocus, moving back and forth.
How to Spell Reciprocal
Syllables: re - cip - ro - cal
Tricky part: Students often end it with -cle, as in reciprocle, or turn the middle vowel into an i. The word has two c's, and the vowel after the second r is an o.
Watch out for: resiprocal, reciprocle, reciprical
Memory tip: Look for rec at the front and roc in the middle: the same r-c frame twice, with e the first time and o the second. The pattern comes back, just as a reciprocal favour does.
Usage Examples
Example 1: The two schools have a reciprocal arrangement: our students use their pool and theirs use our library.
Example 2: In maths class we learnt that the reciprocal of 5 is one fifth.
Example 3: Respect has to be reciprocal, Dadi always says.
Fun Fact
Multiplying any non-zero number by its reciprocal always gives 1, and zero is the only number that has no reciprocal at all.
Practise the CREST Way
Word Cookie
Fill in the missing letters to complete the word:
rec_proc_l
a) e, i
b) e, a
c) i, e
d) i, a
Show answer
d) i, a. Say it slowly, re-CIP-ro-cal: the stressed syllable has an i and the ending is a plain -al.
Word Connection
Choose the antonym of the word reciprocal as used in the sentence:
The trade deal between the two nations was reciprocal, with both sides cutting import taxes.
a) joint
b) shared
c) one-sided
d) mutual
Show answer
c) one-sided. A reciprocal deal works for both sides; a one-sided deal favours only one of them.
Mingle-Mangle
Unjumble the letters in the sentence to form a meaningful word:
Good friendship is built on pcorcliear trust and kindness.
a) reciprocate
b) principal
c) reciprocal
d) receptacle
Show answer
c) reciprocal. Reciprocate ends in -ate and receptacle needs a t, so only reciprocal uses exactly these ten letters.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Which of these is an example of a reciprocal arrangement?
a) a shop that sells plants to anyone
b) a girl who forgets to water her plants
c) a man who waters only his own plants
d) two neighbours who water each other's plants
Show answer
d) two neighbours who water each other's plants
2. What is the reciprocal of 3/4?
a) 4/3
b) 1/4
c) 7/4
d) 3/4
Show answer
a) 4/3
