reciprocity
res-uh-PROS-uh-tee
/ˌres.ɪˈprɒs.ə.ti/
The practice of exchanging things with others for mutual benefit, especially favors or privileges.
Combines psychological obligation with economic exchange; involves responding to positive actions with positive actions, and negative with negative.
The story behind the word. Formed from Latin roots 're-' (back) and 'pro-' (forward), capturing a rhythmic motion like ocean tides flowing back and forth. It passed through French into English in the 16th century to describe social relationships built on back-and-forth exchange.
Word relationships
- mutuality: Mutuality describes shared feelings or states; reciprocity stresses active exchanged behaviors.
- interchange: Interchange refers to physical swapping, while reciprocity includes moral and psychological obligations.
- one-sidedness: One-sidedness lacks mutual balance or return action.
- unilateralism: Unilateralism means acting independently without expecting or negotiating reciprocal action.
Commonly confused with
- altruism: Altruism is pure selfless giving without expecting anything back, whereas reciprocity is based on expected mutual exchange.
Word family
- reciprocal (adjective): Given, felt, or done in return.
- reciprocate (verb): To respond to an action with a corresponding action.
Collocations
- norm of reciprocity
- reciprocal agreement
- reciprocity principle
- negative reciprocity
Idioms & expressions
- tit for tat
- scratch my back and I'll scratch yours
Example sentences
- "The norm of reciprocity ensures that small unsolicited gifts compel consumers to offer something in return." Sociological analysis
- "Trade negotiations collapsed after one nation refused to grant reciprocal tariff concessions." International relations commentary
Memory hook
RE-CI-PROC-ITY goes back (RE) and forward (PRO) between two people. Reciprocity = Back-and-forth give and take.
When not to use
Do not use for one-way altruistic giving where no mutual relationship or obligation exists.
Fun facts
- Charities that include a simple $0.50 customized address label in donation letters double their response rate due to automatic feelings of reciprocity.
Explore more words
reciprocate, reciprocal, requital, networking, symbiotic, retaliate
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