reciprocity
res-uh-PROS-i-tee
/ˌresɪˈprɒsəti/
The practice of exchanging things with others for mutual benefit, especially privileges granted by one country or organization to another.
Implies a 'tit-for-tat' or 'you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours' relationship.
The story behind the word. From 're-' (back) and 'pro-' (forward). It describes a motion that goes back and forth, like the tide or a swinging pendulum.
Word relationships
- mutuality: Mutuality is the state of sharing a feeling or relation; reciprocity is the active exchange of actions or favors.
- unilateralism: The policy of taking action without the agreement or cooperation of others.
Commonly confused with
- retaliation: Retaliation is reciprocity's 'evil twin'—returning a harm for a harm, rather than a benefit for a benefit.
Word family
- reciprocate (verb): To respond to a gesture or action by making a corresponding one.
- reciprocal (adjective): Given, felt, or done in return.
Collocations
- principle of reciprocity
- mutual reciprocity
- lack of reciprocity
- reciprocity agreement
Example sentences
- "The two nations signed a treaty based on reciprocity, allowing citizens of both countries to work across borders without visas." International relations
- "The rule of reciprocity suggests that people feel an obligation to return a favor when someone does something for them." Social psychology
Memory hook
RECIPROCITY is like a RECIPE for a PRO-active City: everyone helps each other. Back and forth.
When not to use
Not for a one-sided gift; it must involve a return action or expectation of one.
Fun facts
- In mathematics, the reciprocal of a number is what you multiply it by to get 1 (e.g., the reciprocal of 2 is 1/2).
Explore more words
reciprocate, reciprocal, requital, networking, symbiotic, retaliate
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