Finding the Antonym of Reciprocal

The question asks us to find the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word "reciprocal" in the sentence "Friendship is always reciprocal." To answer this, we first need to understand the meaning of "reciprocal".

Understanding Reciprocal

The word "reciprocal" means given, felt, or done in return. It implies a mutual relationship or action where something is exchanged or corresponds equally between two parties. In the context of friendship, a reciprocal friendship is one where both friends contribute, support each other, and share experiences mutually. It's a two-way street.

Now let's examine the given options and see which one represents the opposite of this meaning:

• mutual: This word means felt, done, or experienced by each of two or more parties towards the other; reciprocal. This is a synonym for "reciprocal", not an antonym.
• one-sided: This describes something where only one party is involved or benefiting, or where contributions come from only one direction. A one-sided relationship or action lacks the mutual exchange implied by "reciprocal".
• shared: This means possessed, enjoyed, or undergone jointly or in common. This is very close in meaning to "mutual" and "reciprocal".
• corresponding: This means having characteristics that correspond or are comparable in some respects; analogous. While it relates to a connection or relation between things, it doesn't directly convey the back-and-forth mutual action implied by "reciprocal" in the same way as "mutual" or "shared". However, it's not the opposite.

Identifying the Opposite

The word that stands in direct contrast to the idea of something being mutual, given in return, or involving equal exchange between two parties is "one-sided". A reciprocal action involves two sides acting upon each other, while a one-sided action involves only one side acting.

Therefore, the opposite of "reciprocal" is "one-sided".

Revision Table: Understanding Reciprocal Antonym

Additional Information on Antonyms and Synonyms

Understanding antonyms and synonyms is crucial for building vocabulary and improving comprehension. An antonym is a word that means the opposite of another word. A synonym is a word that means the same or nearly the same as another word.

For example:

• Antonym of hot is cold.
• Synonym of happy is joyful.

When analyzing words, especially in context, it's helpful to think about their core meaning and how that meaning changes when using different words. In the case of "reciprocal," the core idea is mutual action or exchange. Its opposite, "one-sided," signifies a lack of this mutual action or exchange, where the flow or benefit is in only one direction.

Looking for antonyms helps us grasp the full spectrum of a word's meaning by considering its opposite pole.