reciprocal

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "reciprocal" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is an adjective describing an agreement, relationship, or exchange of things between two people or groups that is the same on both sides. For example: "The two companies agreed to a reciprocal trade deal that would benefit both businesses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He hadn't experienced love at the time of writing it, he admits, or at least nothing reciprocal.

The Guardian - Music

So we're going to get better at reciprocal charging.

The Guardian

The prime minister's spokesman said the NHS should recoup a further £10m to £20m towards the costs of treating EEA nationals on the NHS under reciprocal agreements.

The Guardian

Currently ranked a career-best No291, Tiafoe went 12-3 during the three US Har-Tru Challenger events this spring and earned the US Tennis Association's reciprocal wild card into the French Open senior version.

The Guardian - Sport

It arguably offers a more interactive, direct and reciprocal relationship, compared to the traditionally linear charity-giving model.

The Guardian

It becomes some kind of exchange that is made either in anticipation or fulfilment of a reciprocal deal.

The Guardian - Opinion

We want reciprocal relationships.

The Guardian

"Nothing he has done has caused more dishonour to Afghanistan," a former foreign minister, Rangin Dadfar Spanta, fumes.In this section Hope springs The Abbott effect Gathering steam Waiting for the main act Undigested history ReprintsGeneral Sharif has since made many reciprocal visits to Kabul.

The Economist

Reciprocal delegations have been lined up for next year.There are political risks in these efforts.

The Economist

Just four months later, in April 1990, Banco Central took a reciprocal shareholding in Bouygues SA but in an oddly circuitous way.

The Economist

Mr Samore thinks that as long as Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is supreme leader, Iran will not give up its option to acquire nuclear weapons.Both experts reckon that the best that can be hoped for is a series of extensions of the interim deal with incremental adjustments and reciprocal concessions on both sides every six months to keep the process alive.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reciprocal", ensure the context clearly indicates that the action or relationship is indeed mutual and benefits all parties involved. Avoid using it when the exchange is one-sided or unequal.

Common error

Avoid using "reciprocal" when describing an action that only flows in one direction. "Reciprocal" inherently implies a two-way exchange or relationship. Ensure the context demonstrates mutuality.

Linguistic Context

The term "reciprocal" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate a mutual or two-way relationship or action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reciprocal" is a versatile adjective denoting mutuality and balanced exchange. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and common usage across diverse sources, predominantly in news and business contexts. To ensure clarity, it's crucial to use "reciprocal" only when the context demonstrably involves a two-way relationship or action. It is essential to avoid using the term where the exchange is one-sided. Alternatives like "mutual" or "two-way" may be more suitable if the mutuality is less explicit. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "reciprocal" to convey its intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mutual

Focuses on the shared nature of the feeling, action or relationship.

two-way

Emphasizes the bidirectional aspect of the interaction or agreement.

corresponding

Highlights the similarity or equivalence between two things.

give-and-take

Implies a balanced exchange of contributions or concessions.

interactive

Stresses the responsiveness and influence each party has on the other.

bilateral

Specifically denotes an agreement or relationship between two parties.

interdependent

Underscores the reliance each party has on the other.

mutually beneficial

Highlights the advantages both parties receive from the relationship or agreement.

complementary

Suggests that the parties involved enhance each other's qualities or abilities.

symmetrical

Indicates a balanced and proportional relationship or arrangement.

FAQs

How do I use "reciprocal" in a sentence?

Use "reciprocal" to describe actions, agreements, or relationships that are mutual or involve a two-way exchange. For example, "The countries established a "reciprocal trade agreement"" or "Their "reciprocal respect" fostered a strong partnership."

What's the difference between "reciprocal" and "mutual"?

"Reciprocal" emphasizes an exchange or action returned in kind, while "mutual" simply indicates a shared feeling or action. "Reciprocal" implies a response to something, while "mutual" does not necessarily. Although they share similar characteristics it's a subtle difference.

Can "reciprocal" be used to describe feelings?

Yes, "reciprocal" can describe feelings, especially when those feelings are returned or shared. For example, "Their "reciprocal affection" deepened over time."

What are some alternatives to "reciprocal"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "mutual", "two-way", "corresponding", or "interactive" to convey a similar meaning.