Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four options. Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word. Friendship is always _reciprocal_.

The word 'reciprocal' is an adjective derived from the Latin 'reciprocus', meaning 'returning' or 'moving backward and forward' [4]. In a linguistic and social context, it refers to something given, felt, or performed by each toward the other, signifying a mutual exchange or correspondence [4]. Synonyms include 'mutual', 'shared', 'corresponding', and 'equivalent' [2][3][4]. In the sentence 'Friendship is always reciprocal', the term implies a balanced give-and-take between two parties. Therefore, the opposite of a mutual or two-way relationship is one that is 'one-sided', where the action or feeling is not returned in kind. This is supported by antonyms such as 'one-way', 'unilateral', and 'unreciprocated' [1]. While 'mutual', 'shared', and 'corresponding' are synonyms, 'one-sided' correctly identifies the lack of reciprocity.

Sources

1. [4] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reciprocal
2. [2] https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english-thesaurus/reciprocal
3. [3] https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english-thesaurus/reciprocal
4. [1] https://dictionary.cambridge.org/thesaurus/reciprocal