reciprocity

noun

rec·​i·​proc·​i·​ty ˌre-sə-ˈprä-s(ə-)tē 

plural reciprocities

1

: the quality or state of being reciprocal : mutual dependence, action, or influence

2

: a mutual exchange of privileges

specifically : a recognition by one of two countries or institutions of the validity of licenses or privileges granted by the other

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between reciprocity and endorsement?

Each of these words has multiple meanings, some of which are similar, and others of which are not. Reciprocity may mean "a mutual exchange of privileges" and is often applied to things such as professional certification (neighboring states may have a reciprocal agreement so that certification a worker needs is applicable in each). Endorsement may mean "sanction, approval" or simply refer to "the act or process of endorsing."

Can reciprocity be mutual?

Reciprocal and mutual share a good deal of meaning; the former may be defined as "shared, felt, or shown by both sides," and the latter as "shared in common." Based on this semantic overlap some usage guides caution against using any form of the two words (mutually reciprocal, or mutual reciprocity) together, on the grounds that it is redundant.

Is reciprocity a noun or verb?

Reciprocity is a noun. The verb form of the word is reciprocate; the adjective is reciprocal, and the adverb is reciprocally.

Examples of reciprocity in a Sentence

Grownups know that little things matter … and that relationships are based on respect and reciprocity. —Margaret Carlson, Time, 4 June 2001

Introduced in the McKinley Tariff of 1890, reciprocity gave the president authority to remove items from the free list if their countries of origin placed unreasonable tariffs on American goods. —Mary Beth Norton et al., A People and a Nation, 1988

Indeed when they talked on an indifferent subject, as now, there was ever a second silent conversation passing between their emotions, so perfect was the reciprocity between them. —Thomas Hardy, Jude the Obscure, 1895

The proposal calls for reciprocity in trade relations.

Recent Examples on the Web

Increase Your Influence Helping others generates a sense of reciprocity. —William Arruda, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024

The appeals court ruled that Giuliani should be disbarred in D.C. because he had been disbarred in New York in July, citing rules of reciprocity between the two jurisdictions. —Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 26 Sep. 2024

Egalitarian despots: hierarchy steepness, reciprocity and the grooming-trade model in wild chimpanzees, Pan troglodytes WIREs Cognitive Science. —Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 26 Sep. 2024

These mechanisms reinforce the principles of reciprocity and deterrence that allow sworn enemies to achieve peace without resolving their fundamental differences. —Samuel Charap, Foreign Affairs, 5 June 2023

Word History

Etymology

see reciprocal entry 1

First Known Use

1753, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

reciprocity

noun

rec·​i·​proc·​i·​ty ˌres-ə-ˈpräs-ət-ē 

plural reciprocities

1

: shared dependence, cooperation, or exchange between persons, groups, or states

2

: an exchange of commercial benefits between countries

Legal Definition

reciprocity

noun

rec·​i·​proc·​i·​ty ˌre-sə-ˈprä-sə-tē 

plural reciprocities

1

: the quality or state of being reciprocal

2

: the exchange, recognition, or enforcement of licenses, privileges, or obligations between states of the U.S. or between nations