reciprocity

[ res-uh-pros-i-tee ]

noun

1. a reciprocal state or relation.
2. reciprocation; mutual exchange.
3. the relation or policy in commercial dealings between countries by which corresponding advantages or privileges are granted by each country to the citizens of the other.

reciprocity

/ ˌrɛsɪˈprɒsɪtɪ /

noun

1. reciprocal action or relation
2. a mutual exchange of commercial or other privileges

Other Words From

• nonrec·i·proci·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of reciprocity¹

First recorded in 1760–70; from Latin reciproc(us) ( reciprocal ) + -ity

Word History and Origins

Origin of reciprocity¹

C18: via French from Latin reciprocus reciprocal

Example Sentences

Prospective travellers like Ms Nehoya hope this kind reciprocity will be the future for everyone.

From BBC

The 2016 platform also said the party would push legislation to allow firearm reciprocity and constitutional carry and oppose limits on the “most popular and common modern rifle” as well as restrictions on magazine capacity.

From Salon

"Total reciprocity is when each of the people in that conversation is sharing an equal amount of information. Nonreciprocity is when one person is sharing a little bit less than the other."

From Science Daily

When the U.K. was still a member of the economic and political bloc, its nationals had the right to live and work freely in the EU, with reciprocity for EU nationals in the U.K.

From Seattle Times

She doesn’t often hear detractors push against these type of social programs, but when she does, she reminds them it’s about reciprocity.

From Los Angeles Times

More About Reciprocity

What does reciprocity mean?

Reciprocity is a relation or state in which two people or groups perform mutual or corresponding actions based on the actions of the other.

The related verb reciprocate means to do something in response to an action in a way that corresponds or is somehow equivalent to that action. Such actions or relations can be described as reciprocal. The word reciprocation refers to an act of reciprocating—or a specific instance of it—and can be used as a synonym for reciprocity in some cases.

Reciprocity often refers to a mutual exchange. Between people, this can be an exchange of things like effort or affection. But the word is especially used to refer to a reciprocal relationship between two countries involving mutual policies or aid. Two countries that engage in reciprocity may extend certain advantages or privileges to each other’s citizens, or may require certain obligations required by the other country, such as document fees.

Example: Most diplomatic relations are based on reciprocity.

Where does reciprocity come from?

The first records of the word reciprocity come from the mid-1700s. It comes from the Latin reciprocus, meaning “alternating” or “reciprocal.”

Reciprocity is most commonly associated with relationships between countries involving mutual benefits or policies that apply to the citizens of both. It’s also a less common way to say reciprocation—the act of matching what’s given, especially in personal relationships. In all senses of the word, the thing being reciprocated can be either positive or negative.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to reciprocity? 

• nonreciprocity (noun)
• reciprocate (verb)

What are some synonyms for reciprocity?

• reciprocation
• mutual exchange

What are some words that share a root or word element with reciprocity? 

• reciprocal
• reciprocity

What are some words that often get used in discussing reciprocity?

• mutual
• exchange
• action
• return
• compensate
• policy
• privilege

How is reciprocity used in real life?

Reciprocity is a somewhat formal word. Acts of reciprocity can be either positive or negative.

In such momentous times a dis-united kingdom must rapidly rediscover age-old virtues of empathy, solidarity across borders, reciprocity between nations and co-operation rather than conflict. https://t.co/hOkt0lmQ2G

— Gordon & Sarah Brown (@OfficeGSBrown) August 12, 2019

I’m not gonna lie, reciprocity is important to me. I do things out of love but I still expect you to match the energy.

— Oshun of Evangelista (@__MJDr) July 23, 2020

Maybe if y'all treated women better you'd get some reciprocity. That's just my take tho

— mrs. baby (@aychkbri) July 26, 2020

 

 

Try using reciprocity!

True or False? 

Reciprocity is only used in the context of personal relationships.