Reciprocal
We explain to you what is something reciprocal and what are its uses in various fields. In addition, some synonyms and antonyms of this term.
What is something reciprocal?
The word reciprocal in Spanish comes from the Latin reciprocus which was a term used to describe the movement of sea waters, which come and go with the waves. This logic then applied to other fields, and thus the use we give to the term today was born, that is, said of something, which corresponds so much to One side as another. It is a derivative of the noun reciprocity.
Thus, we say that something is reciprocal when applied proportionally to two sides or two perspectives, as happens for example when talking about a feeling (which is reciprocal if both people feel it), of a transaction (which is reciprocal if both parties involved get something commensurate), an aid (which is reciprocal when both parties benefit), or practically anything. Reciprocity relationships can be observed in emotional, psychological, objective, biological, etc. fields.
This term, in addition, has very specific uses within particular disciplines. For example, in cultural anthropology, the informal exchange of goods and labor is called reciprocity, as is the case in the economic system of a people. Similarly, in the field of mathematics, it is known as reciprocal or multiplicative inverse from one number to another number which, following the expression 1 / x or x -1, throw 1 as a result when multiplied by x. A final example of this is the use of reciprocal in law, for example, when talking about reciprocal contracts (which bind both parties) or reciprocal obligations (which both parties must obey).
See also: Reference.
Synchronous reciprocals
The following terms are more or less synonymous with reciprocal, ranging from the closest in meaning to the most distant:
- Mutual
- Correlative
- Bilateral
- Respective
- Alternate
- Interchangeable
- Equitable
- Ambidextrous
- Reverse
- Equal
- Same
- Related
Reciprocal Antonyms
Reciprocal antonyms are those that establish a non-bilateral or non-correlative relationship, such as:
- Unilateral
- Asymmetric
- Uneven
- Unequal
- Partial
- Inequitable
