reciprocity
ress-ih-PROSS-uh-tee
/ˌres.ɪˈprɑː.sə.ti/
The practice of exchanging privileges and concessions for mutual benefit between nations.
In trade policy, it specifically means matching market access and tariff cuts equally between trading partners.
The story behind the word. Reciprocity derives from Latin 'reciprocus' (re- 'back' + pro- 'forward'). It originally described the rhythmic ebb and flow of ocean tides before being adopted into 18th-century diplomatic vocabulary.
Word relationships
- mutuality: Mutuality implies shared feeling or status, while reciprocity emphasizes matching practical exchanges.
- unilateralism: Unilateralism refers to actions taken by one nation independently without reciprocal agreement.
Commonly confused with
- harmonization: Reciprocity exchanges equivalent rights between separate laws, whereas harmonization makes the rules identical.
Word family
- reciprocal (adjective): Given or done in return
- reciprocate (verb): To respond in kind to an action
Collocations
- principle of reciprocity
- trade reciprocity
- grant reciprocity
Idioms & expressions
- tit for tat
Example sentences
- "The trade pact was founded on strict reciprocity, granting equal tariff reductions on both sides." Bilateral trade treaty
- "Without reciprocity in visa access, foreign relations between the two neighboring states rapidly cooled." Diplomatic policy
Memory hook
RE-PRO: REturn PROmises in equal measure. Mutual trade concessions.
When not to use
Do not use for unilateral gifts or foreign aid programs given without expected returns.
Fun facts
- The U.S. Reciprocal Trade Agreements Act of 1934 marked a historic turn away from high protectionist tariffs toward bilateral trade negotiations.
Related words
Explore more words
reciprocate, reciprocal, requital, networking, symbiotic, retaliate
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