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reciprocity

ress-ih-PROSS-ih-tee /ˌres.ɪˈprɒs.ə.ti/

nounC1GREGMAT

academicprofessionallegal

The practice of exchanging things with others for mutual benefit, especially privileges granted by one country or organization to another.

Reciprocity is built on the moral or legal obligation to return a favor. It is a back-and-forth exchange where actions are mirrored.

The story behind the word. From Latin 'reciprocus', meaning 'returning the same way' or 'alternating'. The word is built from 're-' (back) and 'pro-' (forward), mimicking the natural back-and-forth movement of ocean tides.

Word relationships

mutual exchange: Mutual exchange is a general term, while reciprocity often implies a formal, structured system of rules or social norms.
retaliation: Retaliation is the negative mirror of reciprocity—returning a bad deed with another bad deed.

unilateralism: Unilateralism is an action taken by one party without the agreement or cooperation of others.
selfishness: Selfishness is keeping benefits for oneself without any intention of returning favors.

Commonly confused with

reception: Reception is the act of receiving something, while reciprocity is the active exchange of giving and receiving.

Word family

reciprocate (verb): Respond to a gesture or action by making a corresponding one.
reciprocal (adjective): Given, felt, or done in return.

Collocations

principle of reciprocity
demand reciprocity
treaty of reciprocity
social reciprocity

Example sentences

"The treaty was based on reciprocity, ensuring that citizens of both countries could work abroad easily." International relations.
"The law of reciprocity states that when someone does us a favor, we feel deeply obligated to return it." Social psychology.

Memory hook

'Reci-pro-city' -> 'Receive' and 'Propose'. A city where people give back what they receive, creating a continuous loop of mutual favors. Back and forth, give and take.

When not to use

Do not use reciprocity for one-sided charity or altruism where nothing is expected in return.

Fun facts

In psychology, the 'reciprocity reflex' is so strong that marketers often give away free samples knowing it triggers an subconscious urge in customers to buy the product.