Reciprocal
What it means
Given, felt, or done equally by each side.
Reach for it when describing an exchange, duty, or relationship in which each side responds to the other
Their reciprocal support made the partnership dependable.
Words to choose between 8
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday | |
| warm | |
| professional |
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| formal | |
| literary |
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playful
give-and-take
Fits when flexible exchange in a relationship is meant
Careful Give-and-take can make reciprocity sound like bargaining.
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everyday
Fits when a feeling or condition is shared by both sides
Careful Mutual does not always imply an active exchange.
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everyday
two-way
Fits when movement or communication in both directions is the point
Careful Two-way sounds mechanical and may miss a deeper relationship.
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professional
corresponding
Fits when one element matches another in position or function
Careful Correspondence does not require giving anything back.
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professional
Fits when each side relies on the other
Careful Interdependence is stronger than a simple reciprocal gesture.
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formal
bilateral
Fits when an agreement specifically involves two parties
Careful Bilateral is institutional and says nothing about equal warmth.
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literary
requited
Fits when affection is returned
Careful Requited is limited to feelings and sounds literary.
Opposites 3
- one-sided
- unreturned
- unilateral
Common phrases 3
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reciprocal relationship
A reciprocal relationship grew as each workshop taught the other.
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reciprocal support
Reciprocal support kept both small clinics open during renovations.
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reciprocal agreement
The reciprocal agreement lets students use either library.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Dvortygirl, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated