Reflexivereciprocal

Reflexivereciprocal is a coined term that appears in some discussions to denote a combination of reflexivity and reciprocity in a single concept. Because it is not a standard term in mathematics or linguistics, its precise meaning depends on context.

In mathematics, it is commonly considered in relation to binary relations on a set. A relation R is reflexive if every element is related to itself, i.e., for all x, (x, x) ∈ R. The reciprocal (inverse) relation R^{-1} contains (y, x) whenever (x, y) ∈ R. A possible interpretation of reflexivereciprocal is a relation that is both reflexive and equal to its inverse, i.e., R = R^{-1}. Such a relation is reflexive and symmetric, though not necessarily transitive. For example, on a set {a, b}, the relation { (a, a), (b, b), (a, b), (b, a) } is reflexive and equals its inverse.

In linguistics and semantics, reflexivereciprocal can describe grammatical or semantic constructions that simultaneously encode reflexivity (the action directed back to the subject) and reciprocality (action involving participants for each other). The exact interpretation depends on the theoretical framework and the language being analyzed.

Notes: The term is not standardized, and definitions vary by author. When encountered, it is best to consult the source for how reflexivereciprocal is defined in that context.

See also: reflexive relation; inverse relation; symmetry; reciprocal; bidirectional relation.