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

The first steps in discerning whether a relationship is possible with someone usually requires, at the very least, a basic sense of reciprocity and effort. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

Policymakers play a crucial role in facilitating reciprocity. —Vincent Danen, Forbes, 10 Sep. 2024

This is why unity is needed, why reciprocity and cooperation are essential. —Ray Hassen, Austin American-Statesman, 16 May 2024

While not every interaction will be equal, there should be a general sense of reciprocity over time. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024

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